The Message Pod: Recent Episodes
The Message Pod
Once a week, award-winning radio host Nicole Haack delves into the life of an industry leader with a unique and enlightening story to tell. At the end of each chat, our guests leave us with a message for us to digest and keep in mind as we go about our lives. Nicole picks the brains of business leaders, scientists, sportspeople, celebrities and too many more inspiring individuals to single out.
James MacGregor is one of a trio of co-founders who developed Biteable, an online video-making software, out of Hobart in 2014. In the four years since, Biteable has amassed a staggering 4 million users looking to make eye-catching animated videos without blowing the budget as they would've had to previously.
James has been an integral part of a few other startups and businesses - he's a software engineer by trade but is also well versed in both product design and marketing. We chat about how Biteable's vision has evolved with the company, how the software is being used, what he sees for the future, how he's refined his Venture capital pitch and more.
Jed Altschwager is a 33-year-old bloke with a wife, young child and another one on the way. He's the kind of guy who injects positive energy into the room when he walks in. Jed's also an amputee. In 2015, he lost his left leg in an accident at work, and so began the long journey to both mental and physical recovery.
Jed speaks of realising, on that hospital bed, that he had a choice: to either fall into drinking, depression and self-pity, or to pick himself up, attack his rehab and be a positive inspiration for himself and those close to him. Three years on, Jed's incredible mindset and determination has him healthier than ever and training to hopefully represent Australia in rowing at the Paralympics in 2020. It comes as no surprise that he's now asked to speak at schools and sporting clubs about mental resilience.
Christine Manfield is a self-taught yet celebrated chef who originally began her career as a teacher. The talented home cook later decided to switch lanes and went on to head up three award-winning restaurants in London and Sydney from 1993.
As she confesses to Nicole, however, there's been no 'game plan' involved despite her going from strength to strength in the culinary world. Christine's released a successful spice collection, hosted plenty of gastronomic tours and continues to impart her knowledge on the next generation by mentoring young chefs and industry colleagues. She recently launched an updated version of one of her eight book titles, Tasting India: Heirloom Family Recipes. It's the book that she calls her 'love letter to India', the culinary and cultural destination that she's been frequenting for over two decades.
Find out more at https://christinemanfield.com/ Stay up-to-date at https://facebook.com/themessagepod/
Graham Cornes is a household name in Adelaide and the other AFL-obsessed parts of Australia. But despite going on to be a prominent media figure after his decorated playing and coaching careers, not many people know what he's had to deal with on a personal level over the trip. He grew up in a broken family that had next to nothing, lost touch with his mother for 30 years and spent two years in the army in his early 20s, serving a short stint in Vietnam just as his football career was getting started. He's had to come through his fair share of mental battles as a result, and he credits the Glenelg Football Club with helping him stay on the right track upon return. He's been married three times, has seen his two sons become football legends in their own right and is now raising teenage girls while he continues to stay involved in the media with FIVEaa's Conversations with Cornesy. As you'll hear, he wasn't totally sold on the idea of being on the other side of the interview, but he has a story and mindset that deserves to be explored.
Gillian Armstrong is a feature film and documentary director who's been at the forefront of the industry for over three decades. She became a director at age 27 and the first woman to direct an Australian feature film in almost half a century when she made her debut with My Brilliant Career in 1979. Gillian's since been showered with awards, beckoned by Hollywood and an advocate for women's rights within the male-dominated sphere of film. She caught up with Nicole to chat about the exhibition that shares the name of one of her most poignant pieces - Starstruck, as well as the state of Australian film and the strong female protagonists that she's been known for.
South Aussies Russell Ivanovic and Philip Simpson first burst onto the scene in 2008 with their debut app, Pocket Weather, and were well ahead of the game when they launched Pocket Casts in 2010. Pocket Casts sought to address the convoluted process of listening to podcasts on your phone, well before Apple or Android had developed their own listening apps. Now, it's been acquired by four major US players in the industry (think NPR and This American Life), but Shifty jelly – Russell and Phil's development company – are finding a way to keep things local, while also ensuring the listeners and producers of podcasts interests' are prioritised. His message is about marketing, 'talkability' and not being afraid of hard work.
Chris Pitman served 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy and was deployed to Iraq on multiple occasions before his medical discharge. He left with serious knee and hip issues, but they were nothing compared to what he has dealt with mentally. As he tried to return to the 'real world', he sank into depression and alcoholism which led to him becoming severely overweight. This week, however, he makes an enormous step in his recovery by representing Australia in the Invictus Games.
How's he done it? What's he learnt? Did he receive adequate support? It's all on the agenda in this confronting but inspirational interview as Chris prepares to compete.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Two of Australia's most highly-regarded filmmakers are in the Pod to discuss their newest and most unique collaboration to date. The Waiting Room, launched as part of the Adelaide Film Festival, is a 3D Virtual-Reality piece that explores confronting and thought-provoking ideas. Rolf de Heer and Molly Reynolds have a rare synergy that goes well beyond the screen. Nicole probes them about how the daring concept came about, what they're hoping the audience comes away with, the technological hurdles that had to be overcome and the future of film. Stay up-to-date at facebook.com/themessagepod
Cameron Adams is one of three founding members of Canva, an online graphic design software that makes creating stunning visuals accessible for everyday people. He's actually the technical brains behind it all – though he won't admit that – having spent three years as a User Interface Designer at Google.
Canva is only six years old, but it's worth over $1bn, is used by 10 million people and employs over 350 staff! It's also renowned as the greatest place to work in the country, thanks its strong focus on culture and team-building - think chef-made breakfast and lunch, flexible hours, being able to bring your pets, a rock-climbing wall and free gym, yoga and meditation. Its no coincidence that the company has enjoyed so much success. You can check it all out here: https://bit.ly/2xD710m
Cameron's in the Pod to speak about that culture, how they've had to change and adapt as they expand at a rapid rate and how much further they've got to go.
Andre Eikmeier failed at every professional venture he attempted - including acting on Aussie TV drama A Country Practice - before he followed his passion for good wine into business with his brother-in-law Justin in 2011.
His message is about coupling self belief with self awareness and trusting your intuition.
Robert McFarlane first realised the power of photography at high school in the 1950s, a realisation that so heavily resonated with him that he went on to become one of Australia's most authoritative documentary photographers. After a brief stint as a copy boy at an advertising agency, he followed his passion into photojournalism, which took him to Sydney in 1963 and London in 1969. He's used his talent both to cut through important social issues - his enduring photograph of Aboriginal activist Charlie Perkins comes to mind - and creatively on film sets and in theatres. Geoffrey Rush, Cate Blanchett and a young Nicole Kidman are among those who've been captured by Robert, who finds a way to brilliantly blur the lines between character and reality. He speaks today about life on the film set, the requisite patience, his three favourite Australian films of all time and balancing box office with the stories that need to be told. You can see and hear more from Robert at the Samstag Museum of Art on Thursday October 18 as part of the exhibition Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits, which runs from September 14 - November 30. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod
Tom Williams is a familiar face on Australian Television, having hosted The Great Outdoors, Dancing with the Stars, The Mole and now The Daily Edition since first appearing as 'Tom the chippy' on Triple J. But he had far from the traditional journey to his career in the media - he was working in construction all through his 20s, competing in surf lifesaving events on the weekends, and it wasn't until he phoned in to the radio in 2000 that he found himself on the airwaves. As Tom describes, he's well aware that 17 years on TV without being booted off is nothing to be sneezed at, he's still heavily dependent on exercise and the outdoors, and while he may be nearing the end of his 40s, he views 'growing up' as optional. We reckon his background as an everyday, hard-working Aussie bloke who has his feet firmly on the ground has him in an ideal position to now mentor his two young daughters through their own lives. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod
Katie Sarah is a 49-year-old mother to three boys, who only began her mountaineering career a little over a decade ago. Now, she's the first woman to the complete the seven-seven challenge - which means she's summited the highest mountains and volcanic peaks on all seven continents. Wow! But what is it that saw her go from the 'rat race' to spending all of her spare time either at altitude or preparing to be? Katie's all about asking 'why couldn't I?' instead of saying 'Oh, I couldn't.' And it's that mentality that's got her to where she is today - breaking international climbing records while she runs a business, raises a family and looks after her beloved dogs. We asked Katie about what it feels like to conquer long-term goals and how she deals with the 'come-down' that comes with ticking one off, how she plans to spend her 50th birthday and whether or not she's an adrenaline junkie. facebook.com/themessagepod
Julie McCrossin is a veteran Australian radio broadcaster, journalist and comedian who you'll remember from her roles on 'Good News Week' and 'Life Matters'. Since the 1970's, she's been an ever-present activist for women's and gay rights, having been involved in the 1978 protests that went on to become the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Now, she's advocating for a different cause, having survived Stage 4 throat cancer that almost took her voice, and her life, in 2013. As you'll hear, she's recovered physically from the disease, but still struggles with the emotional toll that remains. She shares some personal memories about when she was first diagnosed, why she's lost the ability to cry, her idea of the perfect day and what she loves about the 'nitty gritty' of activism. She's a warm and generous soul who gets most of her happiness from helping others. We could all take something from Julie's wonderful perspective on life. Check out more of her good work at: www.beyondfive.org.au www.targetingcancer.com.au www.beyondfive.org.au/News www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/UC-Pub-Head-and-Neck-CAN1161-lo-res\_May-2017.pdf
Nicole is fresh from a couple of weeks in the United States, where she was struck by some of the questions that she was asked by citizens concerned with how the powerhouse was being perceived on the back of its polarising President. So, we got two of Adelaide's most qualified American academics to shed some light on the political landscape in their native country. Dr Tom Buchanan completed a Masters and Ph.D. in History at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, before coming to the University of Adelaide in 2005 where he's been dubbed a 'Legendary Lecturer'. At the moment, he's coordinating a course titled 'Trump Unlocked: Modern America'. He's joined by Kedron Bardwell, a Political Scientist at Simpson College in Iowa and self-confessed 'election junkie', who's currently in Australia for a semester on exchange. Nicole asks the guys about polarisation in the States - is it a new phenomenon or has it been stewing silently under the surface for generations? What does Trump and his twitter account mean for International Relations? Which historical era set us on this path? What do we make of the media and its distrust, and how do we achieve a more informed political discourse? facebook.com/themessagepod
Peter Gago has been at the helm of wine production at the prestigious Penfolds in South Australia for over 16 years, having begun his career as a Maths and Science teacher before heading to Roseworthy Agricultural College. Penfolds is one of the most iconic labels in the world, renowned for its wines' longevity and ability to cellar. As they enter their 175th year in the market, Peter recognises the company's ongoing challenge is to continue to innovate and evolve without detracting from the traditional underpinnings that make it what it is. Among other things, Nicole probes the 'winemaker's winemaker' about his battles with his marketing department, the competitiveness of the sector, the potential of the commercial nature of the landscape to detract from his craft and the importance of leaving a legacy. facebook.com/themessagepod
Sebastian Rees and fellow GP Troye Wallett co founded and run GenWise, an online platform that streamlines processes for doctors working in aged care. GenWise has been such a success that it took home the 2017 Telstra Australian Business of the Year. Sebastian is a considered and dedicated young man whose overriding purpose is to help others, and often those who need it most. He was recently recognised with the 'First Among Equals' Award at InDaily's 40 under 40 awards. In today's chat, Sebastian opens up to Nicole about how GenWise came about, why he and wife Stephanie don't have a TV, the importance of meditation in navigating his chaotic schedule and what his elderly patients have taught him about looking back on a life fulfilled.
Wes Heddles is one half of a South Australian distillery that's taking the gin market by storm. He and good mate Adam Carpenter have created and run Prohibition Gin, while they both continue to work full-time in other areas. The time commitment is massive, and only someone with Wes' passion and energy (and ability to run off little sleep!) could pull it off. As we find out today, however, it won't be long before these two are fully-fledged businessmen in the booze industry. Prohibition Gin has won over 20 awards since it was released in 2015, and last year opened a tasting room on Gilbert Street in the heart of Adelaide. Wes tells us about how the business is measuring up to its planned trajectory, where it got its name and how that's influenced decisions surrounding the botanicals, and therefore taste, of the spirit that's become a gin-lovers staple. Check them out at prohibitionliquor.co Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod
Stop drifting, Start rowing. In 2000, Roz Savage was making the commute to her management consultancy job in London when she had an epiphany. She was comfortable, but not where she wanted to be. So she abandoned her job, house and husband to become the first woman to row solo across three oceans, which took around 5 million oar strokes! She's an environmental advocate, United Nations Climate Change Hero, speaker, author and super inspiring. In this chat, she reveals her thoughts on the track society is heading down and what it's like to test your limits, over and over again. If Roz resonates with you, and you're yet to listen to Tim Jarvis in Episode #25, I highly recommend you do. He's an Australian adventurer with a similar zest for life and our planet. facebook.com/themessagepod
Steve Baxter is a former soldier who founded his first business, SE Net, with his life savings at 23, after dropping out of school to join the army at just 15. The startup was an internet service provider that he ran out of the spare room of his Adelaide home in the dial-up days of 1994. Since selling SE Net, he's worked on many other technological ventures, made a bucket-load of cash and even spent time working for Google. Now, he prefers to invest in other people's ideas and graces our TV screens as one of five sharks on Shark Tank. He's a mix of straight-up honesty, high intelligence and humour with a bit of bite. It makes for great audio. We discuss how he came to find out three days before filming that he'd be on the show, the glamourising of entrepreneurship, and why it's important to know what success looks like. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod
Tony Vidmar played 76 games for the Socceroos, making him one of our most capped International players. The attacking defender played an unforgettable role in qualifying the team for its first World Cup in 32 years, when he rattled home the third penalty of the famous shootout against Uruguay in 2005. Tragically, he was unable to take part in the World Cup after he was diagnosed with a heart condition in the lead up - something he still finds hard to talk about 12 years on. In this episode: 1. How would the Socceroos be feeling at the moment? 2. How he came to be taking one of the most important penalties in Australian history, having practically never taken one in his professional career before that. 3. His heart condition and missing the 2006 World Cup. 4. Coaching our next batch of stars at Melbourne City. 5. Could it have been cricket or Aussie Rules instead of soccer? 6. Mentors - family and Zoran Matic. 7. Tony's message.
As co-owner and executive chef at the Lake House in Daylesford, Alla Wolf-Tasker AM has done more to shape regional Australian dining in the last three decades than anyone else. Her contributions to the industry have been recognised with two Living Legend awards and as a member of the Order of Australia. She takes Nicole behind her unbridled passion in a chat about her migrant parents, how she stays energised and much, much more.
Jake Millar became the first teenager to sell a company to the New Zealand government when he sold his first startup – video platform, OOMPHER – at just 19. Now, he's 22, based in New York and fully immersed in Unfiltered, his current venture, which features interviews with some of the most prominent entrepreneurs and business minds in the world. They recently raised $1.2 million in capital ahead of expansion into the US. In 2016, Jake achieved a childhood dream when he got to interview Richard Branson, whose autobiography had inspired him to turn down a law scholarship and go it alone in the first place. Jake's message is one of persistence, risk-taking and good old hard work. Check out his work at https://unfiltered.tv and https://jakemillar.com.
Tony Clark helped found Rising Sun Pictures over a pint of Coopers Ale in 1995. Since then, the company has created visual effects for countless Hollywood blockbusters from its modest production studio in Adelaide. Along the way, he's won an Academy Award, an Emmy and has helped kickstart the careers of hundreds of South Australians. They currently employ over 200 staff! He speaks to Nicole about which aspect of his work is most important to him, the challenge to keep up with the rapidly evolving world of technology and AI, and why he calls RSP a 'construction company.'
Moira Kelly decided she wanted to become an aid worker when she was just eight years old, after seeing a documentary film about Mother Theresa. Since leaving school, she's devoted her life to improving the lives of children all over the world and established the Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation along the way. She's now the legal guardian of originally conjoined twins from Bangladesh – Trishna and Krishna – and Iraqi born brothers Emmanuel and Ahmed Kelly, whose limbs are underdeveloped due to chemical warfare. Nicole caught up with her in the midst of the chaos that is her everyday life, which exists only to benefit those less fortunate. She's an inspiration. http://www.moirakellyaustralia.com/
Greg Duncan is a self-taught artist and sculptor who has undertaken one of the most ambitious art projects in recent times. In 2003, he and wife Marg sold the family home to move to Derwent Bridge in the Tasmanian Highlands, to allow Greg to start working on a piece of work that would consume over a decade of his life. The Wall in the Wilderness is made up of 100 carved Huon pine panels - three metres high, one metre wide and placed back-to-back. It must be seen to be believed. Greg opens up to Nicole about how hard it's been to put down the chisels after working round the clock for so long, how his introverted personality has dealt with the publicity and why he sold everything to "have a go." thewalltasmania.com.au/
We chat with Dublin born and Raymon Blanc trained chef, Colin Fassnidge about the heat of the kitchen, life away from the stoves, being a celebrity chef and his take on the Australian food scene.
If you're a business mind or aspiring entrepreneur, you need to hear this chat with a forward-thinker who has the world at his feet. Tim Fung is the co-founder and CEO of Airtasker – an online and mobile marketplace on which anyone can outsource almost any task. Tim founded the platform with his mate Jonathan in Sydney in 2012 and it's now zooming towards two million users and overseas expansion. Nicole asks him about how he stays true to himself, the biggest lessons he's learnt along the way and his work-life balance.
Professor David David is a world-leading craniofacial surgeon and the 2018 South Australian of the Year. He first established the Australian Craniofacial Unit in Adelaide in 1975, and the organisation has gone on to improve the lives of countless patients both at home and abroad.
Deco Cuffe is the character that brought Irishman Andrew Strong to the attention of the public when he was a fresh-faced 17 year old. He's been navigating the music industry for almost three decades since then, and has managed to remain as grounded and grateful as possible. He took time out of his tour to join Nicole in the Pod, where they discussed his upbringing, how he feels about the role that brought him to the spotlight and what makes him tick away from the stage. https://www.facebook.com/themessagepod/
This podcast conversation with Aussie cricket coach Darren Lehmann was recorded in February 2018, when the Aussie cricket side was riding on the high of reclaiming the Ashes and well before the ball tampering scandal rocked the squad.
Nicole Haack is joined by InDaily's David Washington and Tom Richardson, to wrap up the most important state election campaign in a generation.
Professor Muhammad Yunus has received a Nobel Peace Prize, US Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his efforts to combat poverty. He discusses with Nicole his mission to achieve zero global poverty, unemployment and net carbon emissions, which is further detailed in his new book 'A World of Three Zeroes'.
Jose Feliciano started musical life playing a tin cracker can and went on to win 9 Grammy Awards and to secure 45 Gold and Platinum records. At 72, he's still rocking audiences and showing them why he is still regarded as one of the world's best guitarists.
InDaily Editor David Washington chats to SA Premier Jay Weatherill as part of a special 'Supporter Forum' event. In this podcast we listen in to the first ten minutes of their conversation.
Dr Fiona Kerr talks us through the fascinating world of brain power. Find out how we shape our brains constantly throughout our lives and how we can still communicate, connect and care in a technologised world.
InDaily Editor David Washington chats to SA Best Leader Nick Xenophon as part of a special 'Supporter Forum' event. In this podcast we listen in to the first ten minutes of their conversation.
InDaily Editor David Washington chats to SA Opposition Leader Steven Marshall as part of a special 'Supporter Forum' event. In this podcast we listen in to the first ten minutes of their conversation.
Nick Percat and his Dad Mick used to attend the Clipsal 500 every year when he was growing up, watching from a tree that he could climb to get a better vantage point. And in 2016, the self-confessed adrenalin junkie became the first South Australian to take out the race, five years on from his shock rookie win at Bathurst. Nicole caught up with him on the eve of the 2018 Adelaide 500, to discuss what its like to be living out a childhood dream, his racing-obsessed family and the negatives that come with being in the public eye. https//:www.facebook.com/themessagepod/
Nicole Haack is joined by InDaily's David Washington and Tom Richardson, to get under the skin of the most important State Election in a generation. This week, we discuss how the handing down of the ICAC report on the Oakden nursing home scandal has affected the campaign and what it means for the major parties. To get involved, record a brief question, observation or experience with the campaign on the voice memo app on your smartphone or another device, and email it to: editorial@solsticemedia.com.au.
Nicole Haack is joined by InDaily's David Washington and Tom Richardson, to get under the skin of the most important State Election in a generation. This week, the team discuss what they made of the controversial SA Best ad, which party is enjoying a slick and steady campaign so far and whether any of the potential outcomes are more likely now than a week ago. To get involved, record a brief question, observation or experience with the campaign on the voice memo app on your smartphone or another device, and email it to: editorial@solsticemedia.com.au.
From being Managing Director of the ABC to the head of Soccer Australia and now a multi-book author, the one common denominator is the attitude that underpins this very affable man. David Hill was born into an impoverished English family and shipped to Australia without his mother when he was just 12, and against considerable odds one of Australia's most influential businessmen and sports administrators. He is now a prolific author and has just released his eighth book - The Fair and the Foul - which details the colourful 150-year history of Australian sport. He chats to Nicole about opportunity, enthusiasm and why he's so infatuated with Australia's approach to sport. https://www.facebook.com/themessagepod/
Andrew Denton is an Australian TV/Radio presenter and producer, who has mastered the art of interview through programs like Enough Rope. This time he's the subject of the interview as he gives us his perspective on modern life, social media, assisted dying, the art of travel and his new TV program. He is as witty and intelligent as ever. https://www.facebook.com/themessagepod
Nicole Haack is joined by InDaily's David Washington and Tom Richardson, to get under the skin of the most important State Election in a generation. To get involved, record a brief question, observation or experience with the campaign on the voice memo app on your smartphone or another device, and email it to: editorial@solsticemedia.com.au.
Nicole Haack speaks to Australian Test cricket coach, Darren 'Boof' Lehmann in February 2018, when his side was coming off the high of an Ashes win on home soil.
Josh Richards isn't your run-of-the-mill comedian, astronaut or engineer. Or soldier for that matter. The 32-year-old Australian has committed himself to all types of work over the years, but for the last five has been devoted to becoming one of the four humans to be sent to Mars in 2024. For good. He's made it to the last 100 candidates, and Nicole had all sorts of questions she wanted to throw his way – What did his family say? Is he sure he wants to go through with it? How does he approach relationships knowing that one day he could be living on a different planet? Josh's ability to think of his species rather than himself is commendable and inspiring.
Tim Jarvis AM is a qualified environmental scientist, an author and documentary filmmaker who has embarked on some of the most physically demanding historical expeditions. In the past decade, he's recreated Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic epic and Sir Ernest Shackleton's crossing of the Southern Ocean - remarkably with essentially the same clothing, boat and food as the original. Nicole chats to him about fitting back into everyday life after going to the edges of the planet, his views on climate change and what he hopes for the future http://www.themessagepod.com.au/the-message-podcast-podfolio
Mansour Bahrami has spent his career playing tennis and keeping crowds entertained despite not owning a tennis racquet until he was 13. His unique style was honed in the streets of Iran, where he learnt to play using household pots and pans. After being banned from playing during the Iranian Revolution, he fled to France, where he lived for some time on the streets as an illegal immigrant. Nicole got to hear his story, which is being made into a feature film, in between matches at the World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide, where he continues to entertain crowds at the ripe old age of 61.
Andrew Hunter, General Manager of China Engagement for AFL Club Port Power, talks about the opportunity for sport in progressing international relations. Andrew is a firm believer in sports diplomacy as a tool for encouraging greater intercultural understanding, both people-to-people and business-to-business and says the potential is massive.
Arguably the greatest boxer Australia has ever produced, Jeff Fenech started out mixing with a questionable crowd on the sketchy streets of Sydney in the 1970s. Walking into a boxing gym by chance at 17 led to him becoming the Marrickville Mauler, who terrorised fighters with his aggression and power for a man his size. His story is about doing it the hard way and giving back to a community that loved and loathed him at certain times.
This week in the Pod, we dive into the volatile world of cryptocurrency, as bitcoin starts to generate interest amongst mainstream investors. Nicole is joined by Scott Phillips – share advisor and Director of Research at The Motley Fool Australia – to shine a light on the digital currency that has investors and punters all over the world divided. Of course, none of the information in this episode should be taken as financial advice.
We chat to fourth generation winemaker Chester Osborn - the eccentric mastermind who heads up d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale, South Australia. At 55, most people would be thinking about retirement, but after almost half a century in the vineyard Chester is as infatuated with winemaking as when he began. We catch him on the eve of the opening of his most ambitious project to date, the futuristic five-storey d’Arenberg Cube, which is about to become one of South Australia’s most fascinating tourist destinations. Chester details for us his unconventional childhood and quirky personality, and the 14-year campaign that went into realising the rubik’s cube-like structure he’d been dreaming of. Sit back and let Chester take you on a journey through his intriguing and highly successful brain.
We talk to Dame Louise Casey on the eve of Adelaide's announcement as one of only 10 vanguard cities in the world to be recognised for its pioneering work in ending street homelessness.
In the Pod today, we welcome two young South Australians who decided to put their backgrounds together and start their own building business... at arguably one of the most challenging times in the industry. Twelve months on, we speak with Jordan Gyss and Hamish Mount about their journey into building a business around the building business.
Ever wondered if your dog really loves you? Do they feel guilt? How good are they at reading us and what about our knowledge of their non-verbal signals. Dr Hazel knows and loves dogs. As a Senior Lecturer at the School of Animal and Veterinary science, she's taught animal behaviour and explored the unique human/dog interaction for years. He she gives us a fascinating insight.
Acclaimed South Australian winemaker Tim Adams talks about the quality and quantity of wines we can expect from this year's vintage.
Professor Moseley is a world-renowned pain scientist working on exciting revolutions in the management of chronic pain. Hear him speak about the fascinating learnings on the role of the brain and the mind and hear what we can do help manage our own pain.
Rebekah Clarkson is an award-winning Australian writer, who has just released her first novel-in-stories 'Barking Dogs'. It's fictionally based in Mt Barker, South Australia but draws on place as an imagined representation that could translate to so many Australian suburbs or townships. It’s a book that peers behind the front door of people’s home, bringing to life the challenges of family, relationships and community.
Flinders University Professor of Marine Biology Peter Fairweather has dedicated a considerable portion of his career to exploring the ecosystem of the Murray Darling Basin and the impact of carp. He joins us in the Pod to discuss the planned use of the herpes virus to eradicate this introduced species from Australia's longest single river.
We chat to two inspiring members of a unique cooperative of entrepreneurs tackling business in a new way. In their words, "they are a group of friends who grow businesses with shared values".
Wine industry icon Geoff Merrill goes head to head with organic winemaker Vanessa Altmann as we explore the old and the new in the fascinating world of winemaking.
He's long been a champion of South Australia's arts sector, has been Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, was founder of the Adelaide Festival of Ideas, but he's also a passionate advocate for human rights . Greg Mackie talks to us today about gay rights and the hot topic of marriage equality.
Susie Byrne is nurse and a bereavement and palliative care counsellor. She has seen firsthand the pain and suffering of patients at the end-of-life stage of terminal illness. For some, she says, palliative care simply doesn't work. Susie is an advocate for the introduction of compassionate voluntary euthanasia laws, with strong checks and safeguards.
He's a You Tube sensation known as 'Unlisted Leaf'. 21 year old Michael Anderson takes us on his journey to entrepreneurship via Pokémon cards and social media. It's quite an astounding story, and one that's made him, and others, quite a considerable income.
Lottery winner: Rory If you liken the existence of lottery winners to that of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, you're not alone. We thought so too, until we met Adelaide father-of-one Rory. Swayed by the lure of a $20 million Powerball jackpot 15 years ago, Rory made an out of character decision to buy a ticket; a decision that would provide to be life changing in so many ways. We spoke to Rory to get the lowdown on what life is really like as a multi-millionaire.
You might see his name emblazoned on trucks across South Australian, but that’s as audacious as it gets for 45-year transport and logistics boss Peter Cochrane. He’s a quiet achiever; much more comfortable behind the scenes. Still, we managed to convince this most modest of men to share his story of business success and we discovered a man guided by a love of life and a sense of community spirit that will soften even the hardest of critics.
He’s been Leader of the Opposition in South Australia for the past three years but how much do we really know about Steven Marshall? We share and delve a little deeper into what makes this father-of-two tick…food, family, his love of South Australia, and, yes, a wee bit of politics.
Renowned Australian winemaker Tim Adams opens up on "the Riesling of the decade”: Tim joins us in the Pod to talk about what makes this year's Clare Valley vintage so special and why wine lovers will be toasting it for years to come.
A journey to motherhood that was meant to be: We are joined in the Pod by Nat, a woman who was 36 and single when she decided to have a baby via a sperm donor. This inspirational woman talks us through her unique journey to becoming a 'mum'.