Podcasts – The Chattering Classes: Recent Episodes
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Tamp on everybody! Wiggo and Alyson join me to talk about communication skills with adults and youths, the friends that we collect and drift from when younger and the curiosity. Then Nick pops in to talk about music connections, sealed sections, knives, lightscapes and flotation tanks.
(65 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 5/6/26
Author Joanne Rose joins me to discuss the process of writing and self publishing your first novel. More than that Joey Jo Jo is a former student of mine who I utilised as an unpaid intern for 4 years. We cover the years of school and out of school, raising a child, doing a lot at once and working through anxiety.
(60 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29/5/26
Wiggo and Gibbo continue our chat on movies, this time from 1995 to 1999, featuring some truly astounding movie years. We cover who were our voices in film, which actors we love, were in love with, and were afraid of. Which movies changed our brains and which reflected our brains. Thanks for joining us.
(65 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 22/5/26)
Wiggo and Gibbo joined me for part 1 of an epic, that is long, discussion about movies in the 90s. It was pretty difficult as we realised that we watched every movie ever released. Gibbo starts discussing movies we missed in the 2000s. We then go over who we were and all the good and bad we saw from 1990-1995. A lot of soundtrack talk too. Take notes.
(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 15/5/26)
Angela Ward joins me in the backrooms of the public Library to discuss why we like teaching. We cover what kind of students we were, drama in and out of the classroom, and our love of year 7 camps. A theme across the chat is injuries to ourselves and others.
(59 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 8/5/26)
Alyson came back to chat with me some more. We discuss a lot about being characters from older times, the odd things customers say, book recommendations and oiled moustaches. We then discuss our kids and how they suddenly want to know the family history.
(48 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 1/5/26)
We are back to finish off the rest of the century so far. We are starting in 2013, covering some unanswered questions and taking our sweet time getting to last year. Wiggo and Nick also give their picks from the years as well. Grab a pen or open a doc and start doing your homework, or listen to 3 people talk a lot about things they like.
(110 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 23/1/26)
Well hello old friends, we are back for a soft return. I thought I’d do a little project to amuse myself and I brought along Wiggo and Nick. We discuss my 25 films of the century so far. I pick one film per year. We also discuss other movies from the year and we talk so much it must be in 2 parts.
It’s nice to be back.
(92 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 16/1/26)
It’s the soft ending of the podcast you’ve come to know and like over the past 12 years and joining me for this rude surprise is Nick, Wiggo and Alyson for the last time . . . maybe. We talk about stopping things we’ve enjoyed, and the need to pivot and pivot and pivot. We also talk a fair bit about chafe. Thank you for listening.
(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/7/25)
Author Inga Simpson (Willowman, Mr Wigg) joins me once again to talk about her latest book, The Thinning. It’s a book about hope and action against things we do and don’t notice. That’s pretty vague but I don’t like spoilers. It’s a really good. We talk about writing in voice, the struggle of connecting ideas, the stars, darkness. We mention someone we shouldn’t and they messed with the internet connection.
Check out Inga’s works here.
(40 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 18/4/25)
Alyson and Wiggo join me to discuss a lot of stuff. Have we saved lives? Yes! Human lives? Find out. 1 band and 2 singers of discussion, what are the red flags we see in ourselves, how we were liars in our adolescence, and what it feels to be the heartbreaker.
(58 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 11/4/25)
My dad spoke with me on the mic for the first time in 9 years. It was the day before he turned 75 and we discuss how that feels, and how it feels to see things change around you when you have lived in the same place for 5 decades.Dad likes to tell a story so we go all over the place and some things may be confusing for those not in the family.
Happy 75th Pedro.
(46 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/4/25)
Adam Lovgren joins me in the season opener to talk about how the US is going about now. We recorded just after the California fires and we discussed these, and our kids moving on without us. We then get into a big life change for Adam and the impacts on various things in his life.
(62 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 28/3/25)
To end the year I go over the films, books and music I’ve enjoyed throughout the year. It’s just me talking. Merry New Year to you all from all of us at The Chatterings. See you in the new year.
(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31/12/24)
The 4 of us from the 200th are back for the season finale where we go through all the questions we hadn’t got to before. Funeral ideas, problematic sports, hot chips, art and artists, teaching strategies and unused talents. I also tell a story previously unheard on this podcast that is pretty weird.
Thank you for joining us beyond 200. See you next year.
(90 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29/11/24)
Emily Squires joins me again to discuss many things about books and how creativity works. We go over miscommunication with your children and how to weigh up decisions that impact our kids. We also discover a book that the New York Times described as ‘Surprisingly tedious.’
(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 22/11/24)
The four of us are back, after some sound mishaps, and we finish answering questions for the 200th episode spectacular. We cover the nice times of your courtships, the books we would write but can’t find, Simpsons references galore and time dilation, time travel, and other careers. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions and to all the listeners.
(77 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 15/11/24)
The 200th Episode is here and it is spectacular. I start the podcast with the producer Nick answering questions from people from the show’s past, but the mood changes with some special guests dropping by and much fun was had. We go through stupidity, delight, care and night flies.
Join us next week for part 2 of the 200th.
(76 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 8/11/24)
Alyson asked me a question for the 200th episode but I thought we could spend a while discussing our shared history. But of course we get sidetracked immediately by ocean temperature, literary jaunts and severe haircuts. Plus we keep the tape running and finish the pod with an awesome chat about much more important things like life, love and grief.
(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 1/11/24)
My kids introduced me to Nova Weetman’s books and then I’ve taught her novels to students, so this was a great time for me. We discuss her writing process, Koala nocturnal habits, interconnectedness and talking to young people. You can find all of Nova’s books through https://www.novaweetman.com.au
(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 18/10/24)
Angela Ward and I recorded in front of very large windows looking over a golf course so we got very distracted from the start. Started off talking about golf, a couple of interruptions along the way, until we discussed teaching in Inclusion Support. Angela and I talk about the finer points of supporting students, parents and teachers. We also discuss the art of contextual professionalism.
(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 11/10/24)
Nick, the producer, joins me in this mini episode, to talk about the weird kids at school, self-acceptance and affectations. We then unpack a compliment and the ways our brains operate under pressure. Nick goes out of focus, which is NOT a metaphor.
(34 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/10/24)
Wiggo and Alyson join me to talk about travelling about the world with and without your children. We have a somewhat serious medical chat, that I wasn’t sure I should leave in. But then we go onto discussions of travelling gratitude with kids, how many layers are too many in the airport and how bad it is when your child says, ‘I don’t feel well.’ Glasses on.
(64 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 27/09/24)
Sasha and Alyson, the front office ladies, are back to discuss their friendship in more depth than ever before. We go over the morning after pub carpet breath musk. How did they deal with rude teachers and how did they support the people who needed it most? How do they challenge each other and what impresses them about each other? Still the most in sync answers.
(60 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 6/09/24)
Leon Braun is back for the sequel to discuss his knowledge of Thailand and Laos, the connection to a famous Horror series, and the things that happen when we sleep. We finally get to the life of a diplomat living in Tonga with 3 children and what that teaches you about the world and the changes in perspective.
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 30/08/24)
Rach and Stu, the hosts of ‘Swinging on the Flippity Flop’ join me to talk about the 90s and all the other things. Corey Haim or Corey Feldman? Pauly Shore or Edward Furlong? The surprising movie Stu has in his top 5 and a few forgotten classics. We discuss how they met and came to make my favourite 90s themed podcast. And of course, Degrassi Chat.
(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 23/08/24)
The Mouse and the Flasha join me to discuss a friendship spanning 5 decades, many jobs, children, life changes and netball vomits. Alyson and Sasha were the ‘Front office ladies of Front office ladies.’ We didn’t even get to the 10 questions about their friendship and so we shall chat again. What did they see from the hub of the community? Language Warning.
(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 16/08/24)
Leon Braun has led an interesting life, and has taken his family all around the world. However we didn’t get to it in this episode, because we got started on movies and that could’ve gone on for hours. We will meet up again soon to talk about the actual stuff. For the Sequel if you will.
(47 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 9/08/24)
Hannah Venn Brown has had a busy time since I spoke with her last. We cover a few big events and surprises that have come her way. Amongst the basketball and Olympics chat we also explore Allyship, Dry July, having children at a young age and being an empty nester in your mid 40s.
(51 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 2/08/24)
Producer Nick, host me and Wiggins to discuss our friendship. Nick asks very very good questions, plus there are so many tangents. It was hard to work out what to call this episode. What makes friends link to each other over time and what movie is most like us? Do we answer those questions – not well.
(53 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 26/07/24)
Natalia is back to talk about her first year as a parent. We cover all the ways that we are challenged in the first year, what has been learned and what can be put into a spreadsheet for further reference. I also ask Natalia to look backwards and forwards at the same time in this brisk window of child free time.
(35 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 19/07/24)
Emily joins me again for the 5th visit into her world of parenting. We’ve done an interview every July since she became pregnant and now we are dealing with a nearly 3 year old. We talk about the perceptions of old when you get older, bringing impractical things on holidays, and persuading people into cars. Emily wants everyone to know she is 33. Not 34.
(53 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 12/07/24)
Nick Maniatis (The Producer) and Melissa Beattie join me to talk about their friendship throughout the years. We talk about enjoying things with a different brain, love of really scary films, honesty in uncomfortability and being there. This one gets a bit intense in places and we will have to return for another round.
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 5/07/24)
I decided to record a half year solo podcast to cover some great films and books I’ve got into so far in 2024. It’s just me rambling on too long, and then I am joined by Justine to discuss the grossest movie we have seen in a long long time. You won’t forget the crunch!
(57 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 28/06/24)
The middle brother, Jason, joins me to have a discussion about big and small things. What is it like when your brother turns 50? Why did having children change Jurassic Park? Parents passing on sporting ideals and pain, being awarded things in front of your peers and cracky creaky feet.
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 21/06/24)
Chezza (Episode 150) brings another friend to the podcast. Amy Wickerson joins us to discuss their 10 years of friendship, forced proximity and marriage counselling. We really get into how difficult it is to be dismissed in your job and training when you are in your mid 20s.
(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 14/06/24)
Alyson is back to discuss how it has been zero days since…We cover all manner of things, such as odd parent interactions, Analogy Lad, wanting to be horizontal and a bad case of organ pitch. Obscure question, but is the butcher’s moustache grey or jet black?
(Issues resolved, I think – Nick)
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31/05/24)
The siblings are back to get loopy to cover the past 40 odd years. We discuss waking up in gardens, match flicking in public toilets, hidden talents and annoying habits. Why does white bread make Claire so angry and what is your north star?
(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.4 mb – 24/05/24)
The siblings, Ben and Claire join me to discuss all things brotherly and sisterly. Before we even get to that Claire takes us through her absolutely gnarly car accident story. Plenty of all over the place chat, East 17, Soup, treasure hunts, dancing and tackling in the lounge room. How many variables are in your house?
(51 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 34.9 mb – 17/05/24)
Katherine Tammaro is mighty. I’ve known Katherine since a diminutive year 7 student marched through the door. In our chat we cover those teenage years, our 2012 school trip to Japan, dance lessons, Victorian era toilets and I guess slightly wrong what ornamental things Katherine has collected.
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 36.1 mb – 10/05/24)
I am joined by two lovely friends, Ludwik and Emily, for a chat about their friendship for the past 11 years. Both were students of mine in 2018-19 and had very different experiences in English. They discuss what values they teach each other, how they make each other do the hard things and not worry so much. The origin story of ‘The Thinius Card’ is explained too.
(45 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 30.9 mb – 3/05/24)
Amber Quigley (Episode 137) was once a student in my English class and is now an Art and English teacher. We talked about their love of ceramics, being a glass sibling, being a man stealer, and the benefit of knowing all the places in the school to hide.
(50 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 35.5 mb – 26/04/24)
Alyson Hill joins me yet again for a virtual coffee catch up. I had a series of questions prepared and at the end of the interview Alyson wondered if she answered any of them. It doesn’t matter because we have more cartoon accordion spines to talk about, a healthy dose of poopin and stoopin, and some seasonal priorities. We got lost in some weather and ailment chat too.
(52 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 35.9 mb – 5/04/24)
Nick Maniatis and Wiggo are back and we are chock full of metaphors and imagery. Plasticine man, arms and hands, tetris bodies and hats on top of hats. We go over our friendship again and discuss the specificity of our brain talk, singing and supporting each other. Nick tells us about incredible internal building and sentences are uttered that have never been said before. Why is Nick in the boot of the car?
(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 44.9 mb – 29/03/24)
Adam Bode joins me for the first time but not for the last time. Adam has done many amazing things, studying gymnastics in Texas (they are skills not moves or tricks), studied a language, danced the night away, is currently studying biological anthropology, and a fascinating psychological phenomenon we all will be familiar with.
Got more questions for Adam – please send them through to chatteringpod@gmail.com
(46 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 34.4 mb – 22/03/24)
Wiggo takes over the hosting job and talks to Nick Maniatis and me about the 17 years we’ve known each other. The intensity of discussion, fandom and interests and my issue with skipping between my two friends. Which sports make us lose it and how we think about what the other person is thinking. Vague scary movie descriptions scared Ben too.
(57 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 39.4 mb – 15/03/24)
My lovely wife joins me again to discuss the 10 nominees for best picture at this years’ Academy Awards. I just really liked all of the 10 films and wanted to talk about them. We go over the films that we absolutely loved and the performer Justine would love even if he smelled really bad. Which of the 10 will win?
Who cares, judging art is pretty silly.
(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 49.3 mb – 8/03/24)
Stu is back to talk about what we wanted to talk about last time (ep 167). Of course we start off with some real obscurity – the 60s classic ‘Danger Man’ which was not at all classic. We then get to The Beatles – ‘Now and Then’. What was a connection to the Fab Four and how we are more into the academic side of the Beatles and not our other favourites. Features the phrase ‘A totally vomitous bridge.’
(52 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 38.2 mb – 5/01/24)
The host goes alone with the traditional end of year pod. I look over my favourite movies, music and books I’ve got to this year. This isn’t a ‘best of the year’ – just the best stuff I’ve found. See you in 2024 Chatterinos.
(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 48.9 mb – 29/12/23)
The friendly train rolls into the station once again as Alyson and Wiggo join me to talk over shared histories. We start with a bit of Vanuti corner, and then go over Alyson’s Moroccan and Spanish adventures.. We look at some of the past 30 odd years of friendship, such as What is the oldest shared joke we have? What were we like at school, with each other, and elsewhere? We had a delicious time. Try some Ethan Hawke Butt Jerky.
(81 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 55.5 mb – 22/12/23)
Stuart Buckland (podcast host of Dad Pants, Bit Weird but Fair Enough (I Guess), What’s The Go and the Angry Chimp) to talk about a bunch of stuff that we never got to. We immediately got derailed by a discussion of 80s classic tv. We cover how we hide our love of obscurity and Kid lobbing. We do a bit of an origin story of our podcasting and Stu starts asking me the questions.
(58 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.6 mb – 15/12/23)
Karen Rockawin (Team Competent – Ep 144) joins me to discuss the fact that she has three weeks till retirement. We discuss the idea of ‘just being’ and not needing to fill time with activities, and having more to life than the job you’ve done for 30 years. A lack of ambition or a reason to not want to work. What are the rewards of our job that most people don’t see.
(42 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.4 mb – 8/12/23)
Nick Maniatis went on a solo trip to Tasmania and had some adventures. But before we briefly discuss that we talk for quite a while about movies, music and memory slips. A lot of drive in chat. And of course we discuss Taylor Swift and the experience of cultivating a situation and leaving early. Then I ask a question which changes everything.
(62 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 43.9 mb – 1/12/23)
Nicole is back (Episode 123 – The Walrus Gang) to discuss burning down the guilt factory for everyone’s benefit. We talk about the same issues of control and patience and letting things be a bit crap for a while when needed. We are both tired and distracted throughout, hence the title.
(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31.7 mb – 24/11/23)
Drez joins me to be double poppin after a slow old start. We cover the fluctuations of age, being insulted by your children, very specific insults, realising a special time when it’s happening, and storm chasing. Drez is always up to a new obsession, and this time is no different. Drez makes me sweat by confronting me with a phobia. We then cover his upcoming court case with a famous figure. Will get the platinum tier videos going soon.
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 38.6 mb – 17/11/23)
Natalia is back (from lighting Crutch Ep 149) – to talk about being a first time parent. We recap planning to be underprepared for the birth, baby height, and the ins and outs of stress. We also look at timing eating cake, seeing others in different roles and watching videos of yourself as a baby. Natalia gives expecting parents advice they will actually need.
(32 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 22.0 mb – 3/11/23)
Part 2 of my chat with C Fresh and Pinno, as we talk more about them as friends. How they impress each other, engagement stories and parties. Who got nude with whom and why? What happens when you tell Claire she can’t do something and what is the line past sky diving for Lyndsey.
(42 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 30.6 mb – 27/10/23)
Claire and Lyndsey are back due to their demand. We start by recapping how Claire has become the podcast’s number 1 fan, what it means and how we engage with each other. We go over some origin stories and I can’t remember why I went to see a movie. We cover the fact that these sisters in law and best friends have 2 girls who are cousins and best friends. *
*This is part 1 as the conversation went for a long time.
(41 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.2 mb – 20/10/23)
It’s a friendly train reunion as Wiggo and Alyson join me again to talk about friendship stuff. We only got through 3 questions this time because we got distracted by underpants, dining room tables, nursery rhymes, sandwiches and songs. We talk about how our thinking has changed, putting reminders in our phones and talking weird.
(64 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 44.6 mb – 13/10/23)
Dave Matthews joins me again to talk about the times that are a changing. We’ve been friends since 1987 and we cover some of those times and a surprise email from that very era. We cover having adult children all of a sudden, how much consideration we gave to our parents, midnight runs and red velvet cake. And yes it is true, we were kept apart for 6 years.
(57 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.0 mb – 6/10/23)
Sam Pett joins me again from South Korea to discuss the films of Neil Breen. His amazing hair, recycling of plots and love of stock footage. He has great messages in his art. We also discuss Sam’s array of pets, hospital services, drinking in hospital gowns and changing jobs. Sam and I also discuss the recent teacher protests in South Korea.
(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.2 mb – 29/9/23)
Ryan Lindsay works with me, but I really wanted to talk about his double life as a writer of comics. Ryan has created many many comics and graphic novels and I wanted to know about his processes and amount of sleep he gets. We found out in this interview that we are both the youngest of three boys and that our older brothers showed us messed up movies when we were too young.
Is podcasting the 10th art form?
(53 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 38.4 mb – 22/9/23)
Paul Hirons joins me again to discuss 1 thing. Running very long distances. We do a before and after his 100 mile race. Yes that’s right, 100 miles. We see how he went, how he prepared and how he recovered. We also attempt to answer the question we all have – Why?
(63 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.1 mb – 15/9/23)
Emily B is back for another year! Her son has just turned 2 and we talk about the changes and difficulties of the past year with a toddler. Stolen tooth brushes, animals, cute and naughty combinations and the understanding of … Continue reading →
Alyson is our guest host as she interviews Wiggo and me about our decades old friendship and what makes us chug along. We discuss many important West Indian cricketers, the bit of pop culture we reference the most and the advantages of having very nice wives. We also found Opie Cunningham! What does that mean…have a listen and see.
(71 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 46.1 mb – 1/9/23)
This is a fun time talking to two of my favourite people in the world, Claire and Lyndsey, who talk about friendship and energy. We cover negotiating friendship changes and controlling the action. C Fresh and Pinno cover what makes them the party, the sisters and ghost microphones. They were tethered to each other during recording too, which seems appropriate.
(61 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 39.8 mb – 25/8/23)
Friendly season continues. Zoe and Tom have been friends from such an early age they barely have memories without each other featuring. We talk about filling buckets, climbing trees, teachers fighting over you, coffee breath, concealing things from your friends … Continue reading →
It’s the friendly season and we start our best friend conversations with Chezza and Sezza. We talk about old friendships and how we drift in and out of them when we are young. We cover what keeps the friendship going, … Continue reading →
Natalia joins me on the eve of Maternity Leave to discuss her pregnancy and what’s coming up in the next few months. We will hopefully have a check in episode whenever Natalia feels up for it post having a baby. … Continue reading →
Author Jack Heath joins me this week to discuss his attitudes to writing success and failures. How does being a writer affect your ability to enjoy reading? How do you write four books with a small child and a part … Continue reading →
Tom Griffith is now living in Singapore but joined me early in the morning from Malaysia. We talk about how it feels to move to another country in a short space of time, international schools, the importance of community, and … Continue reading →
Wiggins joins me again and again to talk about a movie. I asked him to prepare a discussion but…you know it all went thither and thane. Cats sitting on cars, Chris Tucker, when to show films to your kids and … Continue reading →
Alyson Hill is back to open the season by talking about her dream job eyeballing odd characters and reporting back to me. The AI rubbish continues to be ‘the guy at the wedding that people talk over.’ The nap deficient … Continue reading →
We end season 9 with a 3 person chat about teamwork. Karen (Bianca) Rockawin and Natalia (Lucy) Lee join me (Jimmy Butterscotch) to talk about the end of an era. We have worked in a small team for the past 4 years and as of today it is over. We discuss what makes a good team, how we all cope with the trials of working in inclusion support, and how far into the future we like to think. Take a shot for each sporting reference Karen drops.
See you for season 10 after a break of… some weeks.
(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.6 mb – 7/4/23)
Nick Maniatis joins me on the 10th anniversary of episode 1 to talk about podcasting and podcasts. Of course it gets Meta – why wouldn’t it? We cover how we use podcasts to navigate the world, favourites and not so favourite aspects of the medium, running and family. Nick also uses the phrase ‘It’s not you, it’s me!’ Casper Mattresses are so comfortable you’ll be begging to be bedridden.
(Find the buried Easter egg? Email Chatteringpod@gmail.com with the evidence – The ‘Producer’)
(77 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 50.0 mb – 31/3/23)
Zoe Price joins me again to discuss her new podcast ‘Report Back,’ but only for a bit because we get distracted talking about friendships and school trips going awry. What do our friends do for us and not do for us? We also discuss the dark humour of the deceased. Bite me on the forehead once – shame on you. Bite me twice – Shame on me!
(49 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 35.6 mb – 24/3/23)
Stuart Buckland and Ben Wiggins join me to talk about workmares and obscurity. We have so much of a shared language that we worry this episode is for 3 people only. We try to convey as best we can the one piece of culture that has sustained us for the past 27 years. We struggled to not just list quote after quote. Trying to keep the verbage to a minimum. Side 1 and Side 2 of DON FEST are available on YouTube.
(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.2 mb – 17/3/23)
It’s an Oscars special and I wanted to talk about a film that is nominated for a few awards which I did not like but 2 people who did were Nick Maniatis and Justine, the waife. And when they like something I don’t I need to discuss with them. We go over the feelings and endings of films, and discuss other Oscar movies along the way. Justine and I also get into the 1981 film ROAR! Which may be the most dangerous movie ever made. SPOILERS EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE!
(65 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 41.2 mb – 10/3/23)
Alyson Hill and I have another Faux coffee catch up to talk about a lot of book stuff. We cover comics as kids, appropriate question asking, books that feel special when you are young and books that feel impactful when you are older. Being warm and cosy in any environment is the key, apparently. And wouldn’t you like to work in a bookshop?
(57 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 36.1 mb – 3/3/23)
The Phil is back to talk about all odd things, with a guest appearance from Wiggins. Nose biting, Motown, bluebottle stings, sports rappers and coal trains. Always a wonderful adventure with the Phil. What do you do after watching poor Shakespeare? Also, weren’t the Chicago Zephyrs a fantastic team?
(58 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 38.0 mb – 24/2/23)
Amber Quigley is a teacher who was once my student. Isn’t that neat. We talk about weird things I said to her when she was a student. We also cover Amber’s high school difficulties, taking emotional hostages, her drive to succeed as a teacher and how she handles praise. And how sometimes the peas touch the mash potatoes.
(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.2 mb – 17/2/23)
A lot has happened to Catherine Campbell since we last spoke on the pod (episode 49). We cover the multitude of life changes of CC and her family as we sip tea and eat fairy bread. Becoming a Nana, choosing your moniker, public transport and the feelings that come when your children take off on their own lives.
(40 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 27.0 mb – 10/2/23)
Author and lover of nature, Inga Simpson, joins me from her coastal home to discuss her latest book, Willowman. We cover our shared love of cricket, the artful cover drive, questionable British business practises and the writing process. Inga also discusses the fires that nearly took her home in 2019 and nature’s ability to withstand and thrive.
You can buy Willowman here, or at any good bookstore.
(51 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 32.4 mb – 3/2/23)
Felix Clayton is a young filmmaker and artisan. He is also an ex student of mine who asked me the question I’ve always wanted to be asked by a student. We discuss intense trips to Melbourne, Gorilla confidence, the making of art and the family unit. You can view “Mr Self Destruct” on YouTube?
(53 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 39.4 mb – 27/1/23)
Wait until you hear about Kelly’s phobia. You will have further questions I did not get to, but maybe next time. Apart from that we cover secure attachment styles, independent activities, pursuing artistic dreams and being a high achiever.
(52 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 37.8 mb – 20/1/23)
The episode could be a description of my guest, Nick Maniatis, but it isn’t. It is a description of how he felt about winning praise and professional acknowledgement. We discuss the way we both deal with praise and criticism in the workplace, how we view success and whether dinosaurs are better photo backdrops.
(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 36.7 mb – 6/1/23)
It’s just a me on this podcast covering the year in film, music and books. Some TV in there too. Have a good 2023 won’t you, from the Chattering Classes to the Chatterati/Chatanoogas/Chatterinos.
Merry New Year.
(80 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 58.5 mb – 30/12/22)
Ever recorded a podcast with a 6 month old baby? Betty Chau and I have, as we have a quick discussion about hospital food, mittens and stress while her baby sleeps.
(35 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 25.4 mb – 23/12/22)
Paul Hirons (Ep 94) joins me again to discuss travel. How far are you willing to travel to buy decorations for your son’s birthday party? How far are you willing to sit in front of a cantankerous German man? How far is it for you to run to work 3 times a week? Who will be our new sponsor out of the many listed? A surprise guest appearance too.
Choices Choices!
(47 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 32.3 mb – 16/12/22)
Min Goodwin was in My year 12 English class a few years back and nothing ever escaped her razor sharp mind. Min knows many things and we cover some of those very things. We discuss challenges of high school, finding your place in a new place and giving egocentric gifts.
(38 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 25.2 mb – 9/12/22)
Alyson joins me again to catch up on her coastal life, which has seen some ups and downs in the last 10 weeks. We cover her latest obsession with mudlarking, clay pipes, men in their 50s and the grief in the presence and absence.
Men and their diggers!
(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 34.7 mb – 2/12/22)
Hello Chatternoogas/Chatterati and welcome back to the boyz chat. We continue to go all in and over the map. We discuss how we cope with major changes in our lives, dealing with compromises, the conversations we have in our head, … Continue reading →
This ep is introduced by my alter ego – and it is all about talking to my 3 friends, Stu, Wiggo and Ellis. We covered too much to fit into one episode. In this ep we cover a Top Heavy … Continue reading →
My Brother, Juice, joins me again to talk about scotch and sport. What does Peaty scotch smell and taste like? What do you eat after a night of scotch tasting in the city? What does sport teach you as a … Continue reading →
Nicole Seumanutafa joins me to explain herself! We cover a lot of stuff about music, the importance of community, being in school all your life and first cassette singles. Just how old do you have to be to appreciate chutney? … Continue reading →
Sandra Logan (Loges) was my first boss in teaching. But really she was more. When I moved to rural NSW to begin teaching, her, her husband (also Loges) and their 3 kids treated me like family. And for the past … Continue reading →
Emily Squires and I got back together, the last time we recorded was 9 year ago for episode 7. We discuss moving to new places at the most stressful time. Having a child at the start of the pandemic and … Continue reading →
Simone Le Lievre joins me to talk about surnames first of all. Bureaucratic surnames. We also do a fair bit of teacher talk, not much whinge, as we reflect on what it was like to begin a career and how … Continue reading →
That episode title should be enough to make you want to know what the hell Alyson Hill and I are chatting about in this episode. Alyson moved away from me so these episodes will take the place of our regular … Continue reading →
Lisa Batum joins me to talk about some parallel lives. I miss working with Lisa because we can talk about basketball amongst other things for hours. We’ve spared you a full breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers Western Conference Final … Continue reading →
Justine Oldmeadow, joins me on our 20 year anniversary of togetherness to discuss your friend and ours, on the sad news of her passing, Ms Olivia Newton-John. We cover our connections to Grease, megamix sing alongs, not understanding 80s lyrics … Continue reading →
Emily is back. We chatted in episode 80 when her son was 5 weeks old and now he is 1 and we go over the year of keeping a human alive. I’m biased because Emily is one of my favourite … Continue reading →
Drez is back (episode 68) to talk about all the dark holes he’s crawled in and out of in the past 12 months. We cover drone losses, passing footballs at passing cars, being responsible, eating too much at parties, nasal … Continue reading →
Whatever I put in the explanation of Anthony Venn-Brown’s life would only be superficial in explaining his story. I went to school with his daughter (eps 90 and 110), and now I get to talk to him. It is like … Continue reading →
It’s a reunion of sorts as former housemates Poppamoot, Jay Bone and The Big Alabama are together to talk about sharing music and memories. How do you make Bomb Shelter? Have you thrived, or survived? We also discuss crisis management, … Continue reading →
Nick Maniatis joins me so we can answer some listener questions about music and how it is shaped and shapes the society. Then I tell Nick the amazing tale of Lucky and Happy. (54 mins – Right click / long … Continue reading →
Zoe Price and I meet online in our covid isolation party to discuss all manner of snuffly nosed things. We cover boarding school experiences, cat spinster tropes, Grug (the Simple Nice Guy) and harming others with our organisation. Which fictional … Continue reading →
Hannah Venn-Brown (And Matt – Another Matt) join me to catch up on the past 6 months and discuss many things from the past. We go over the challenges of step-parenting adults, moving house, revisiting year 12 videos from 1996 … Continue reading →
Alyson Hill rejoins me for turtleneck time! We cover more stuff about our brains and the songs that flow through them. Alyson is moving away from me and we discuss why she would do such a thing. As per usual … Continue reading →
Abbey Hill answers the call and challenge from Chezza in episode 104. We go all over the map, including ant tsunamis, being good at school but not at driving, disappointment in your younger self and the discussion of love as … Continue reading →
Ben Wiggins is back for the manieth time to discuss parenting and some not so important things. The joy of the chunter, the guilt and remorse and the sunny buckets of joy that being a parent provides. Sometimes we smile … Continue reading →
Sam Pett joins me yet again from South Korea and coincidences abound. We discuss many things we are interested in and a couple of things we are not. The dangers of Anonymity, Drag Queen names, creating faces, footwear too nice … Continue reading →
Keriann Uesugi joins me from the other side of the world to discuss our shared past, raising children in a pandemic, making your children feel less safe, awkward parent interactions, having hollow legs, living in Bum town and ditching weddings … Continue reading →
Chelsea Ballard is a former English student of mine who did not like the way I taught the subject of Romance. She did like sharing music with me and her wildly creative profanity. Chezza talks about a lot of important … Continue reading →
Karen Rockawin and I were together in Inclusion Support Programs supporting young students in need. We cover some of the challenges and rewards involved in the job, as well as working with your partner, moving things along at a rapid … Continue reading →
Matthew Lymbury and I go way back, from living on the same street in Newcastle 24 years ago, to random adventures, off stage and on. We thought this would be many things, a discussion of an upcoming election, crapping on … Continue reading →
Jess Pearcey joins me for the start of a new season of the same old chatterings. We go over the jobs we’ve had and the jobs we’ve left, the things schools, parents and students get wrong, engaging with the dark … Continue reading →
By the end of the episode I fear we may have lost our minds. 2 hours of talking might do that. We continue our listener Q & A and this one leans more into music and a bit of a … Continue reading →
Nick Maniatis and I talked for too long so we split the 100th episode into two parts. We answer listener questions from famous dinner guests, what we have learned (a lot) and earned (nothing) from the past 100 eps. We … Continue reading →
Justine joins me to talk about her 3 favourite Horror Thrillers. We start with the 1973 Folk Horror classic, The Wicker Man, amongst other things. Also covered in the episode is gaslighting as a horror trope, our love of horror … Continue reading →
Betty Chau is back to talk about lots of important things. Witches, Belinda Carlisle, and almond Croissants. We also discuss 80s and 90s TV dads and how they raised us. There is a content warning on this episode as we … Continue reading →
Tom Griffith returns to talk about Part 3 of the Beatles: Get Back. We cover all manner of Beatles lore, nose straps on the police, recording on rooftops, the sights, sounds and smells of our favourite band. We also cover … Continue reading →
Ben Wiggins, the Wizard, is the man of a couple of voices. I got a chance to speak to him about some of his passions. Odd snack food, cricket and another topic that we are legally not allowed to talk … Continue reading →
This is the first solo podcast I’ve ever done and maybe the only one I’ll ever do. I cover my favourite songs, films and books from 2021. They aren’t all new things, but rather stuff I found throughout this very … Continue reading →
Paul Hirons has lived in many a country, well 5. Paul and I went to school together, until he left to see the world and has rarely returned. We caught up while he was in quarantine in Naples and we … Continue reading →
In this ____ episode series I cover the 8 Hour Peter Jackson documentary ‘Get Back.’ If you have no real interest in the fab 4 I suggest you come back later, after having a good hard think. We cover the … Continue reading →
Merry Happy to one and all. We here at the Chattering Classes think there’s not a better time to talk about Mel Brooks’ classic double feature of Young Frankenstein and Spaceballs. I talk to my daughter and both my brothers … Continue reading →
Alyson Hill once again joins me and of course we zoom all about the place while the sun literally goes down. We cover male and female authors, The Beatles (might be a bit of that coming up), being an empty … Continue reading →
Hannah Venn Brown has packed it into her years. I guess that’s what happens when you are married straight out of school and ready to start life. We cover dealing with change at 13, controlling what people say about you, … Continue reading →
Craig Philips and Ben Wiggins are here to spin many a tall tale. I was there for most of the stories and they are all true. Craig (the Phil) has a way of creating wonder wherever he goes and throughout … Continue reading →
Adam Lovgren joins me from California to talk about the two of us. How we met, experiences we shared in Japan, including one of the best days of our lives. A day which shaped one of our futures in a … Continue reading →
Amy Dorfling came into my year 7 class with a brave hair style and we’ve been friends ever since. We cover 30 years of standing up for yourself, struggling with teenage identity then and now, rocking out in very small … Continue reading →
Helen Lamont has been part of my second family for 30 years now and we get down to discussing her life and world view. We cover raising children, how to listen with focus, how we hold memory and how to … Continue reading →
Nohelia Hain and I used to be neighbours over a decade ago but the mark she left does not fade so easily. We discuss some cracking memories that may or may not have happened. We also discuss books, moving to … Continue reading →
I am joined by Davian Dent to talk all about creativity, mental wellness and connecting with your kids through music. But before we can get to that we have a long chat about Chimpanzee Television Shows from the 70s, racist … Continue reading →
Bernadette Stewart joins me in this episode, but we know her as Grandma. We cover the joys of being a grandparent, raising children in another country, sleeping patterns, and the importance of family and health. We also cover the Christmas … Continue reading →
David Matthews and I met over 30 years ago and people have been trying to keep us apart ever since. We talk about our shared history, career detours, working together in our dream jobs and some actual serious chat about … Continue reading →
Adam King joins the fun as the first ‘fan’ of the show to appear. This is our very first conversation ever and that in itself is odd. We cover a love for esoteric hobbies, specialist food preparation, memory frustrations and … Continue reading →
Emily is back 5 weeks after giving birth to her first child and… she’s pretty ok. We cover the first few weeks of bringing up a newborn, troublesome births, cranky babies and the industry of guilt and comparison. Sometimes you … Continue reading →
Richard Ellis returns to do the podcast we never got to last time. We cover how work changes over time, identity shifts in your 20s, great cinema going experiences and family tricks to get cheap cold drinks. Not nearly enough … Continue reading →
Duncan Driver returns and we cover lots of topics that are unrelated. Broken bones, Beatles updates, what to do when you remember famous people’s lives more than they do and great movie going experiences. And we get to chat about … Continue reading →
We’re back, as you knew we would be one day. Maria Stewart is the first guest of the new bit of a season and we talk about her teaching career and her student career. Maria is bad at retiring and … Continue reading →
We are at the end of the season and thank you to everyone who has listened and who has been on with me. We finish with absolute drivel as Wiggins interviews me and of course it is lively and bizarre. … Continue reading →
It has been said that when I talk with Alyson it is like a choose your own adventure book where 40% of the endings have been ripped out. I hope it is easy to follow as we swill and spill … Continue reading →
The other one, otherwise known as the middle brother, Jason, joins me this week to talk about high cinema and really really low cinema. We rake over the coals of sharing a room for 19 years, our differences and similarities … Continue reading →
Emily joins me again to talk about the arrival of a small human she has been growing inside her. We discuss the basics, navigating the internet as a parent to be, looking forward with joy and with fear. Hopefully we … Continue reading →
Scott Kirkaldy (Sooty) joins me to discuss living together, the key to the phattest pizza of all time, and getting the hell out of town. Sounds fun. Then it doesn’t. This episode gets seriously raw and honest, so much so … Continue reading →
Richard Ellis is my truly lovely guest this week. We cover big family moves, a big year, maturity and stubbornness. We were meant to talk about movies but we never got to it. Maybe in a few weeks. (52 mins … Continue reading →
The tables are turned as Sam Pett (most recently on episode 61) quizzes me about my dreams, my foibles and my need for control. It’s much easier asking the questions. (61 mins – Right click / long press here to download– … Continue reading →
My eldest brother, Mr Juice, joins me to talk about our different childhoods, effective teasing and dressing well for job interviews. Nice one bruvva! (55 mins – Right click / long press here to download– 35.4 mb – 2/4/21)
Nicholas Dresens (DREZ) catches up to go over all the passions he can fit into one life. Gains! Losses! Gold! And a 20 year old myth is debunked. Or is it? (56 mins – Right click / long press here … Continue reading →
In this episode Jess (JaySee) Ripper joins me from Japan to talk about his amazing story. From teaching, to snowboarding, a gruesome injury that nearly cost him his leg, to a recovery of extreme proportion. #bodineforjaysee (65 mins – Right … Continue reading →
Ben Wiggins and I have been quoting lots of movies for 25 years. On this episode we talk about one. Balls get a mention, as does polka, snake bites and soundtracks. What a couple of Earl’s we are. (24 mins … Continue reading →
Tom Griffith returns after years in a foreign land. Which foreign land? It may get mentioned, along with yet more Exorcist chat, natural wonder, and a pretty hairy dairy taxi ride. (56 mins – Right click / long press here … Continue reading →
It’s a recap episode, where I catch up again with Natalia Lee, 6 months later, to find out just how her new career path is moving. We go over doubt, brain stuff and the limited range of movies we both … Continue reading →
I’m not sure how meta to make this blurb bit because Nick Maniatis is interviewing me and it can become self redundant when we discuss memory and growing up and parents and stuff. Self indulgence. (70 mins – Right click … Continue reading →
Amanda Street joins me to talk about family, teaching in small country towns, love of true crime, loss, grief and attempted wallowing. (58 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 41.0 mb – 12/2/21)
Sam Pett joins me from South Korea to talk about her love of podcasts, her podcast love, and finding out whether she is stronger than a car? Probably not. (37 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 23.8 … Continue reading →
It’s the end of Exorcist week so Stuart Buckland joins me to discuss the baffling but arresting ‘Exorcist 3’. We discuss the performance of George C. Scott, the ad libs, the shifts in tone and the RANDOM SHIFTS IN VOLUME! … Continue reading →
Wiggins joins me again to discuss the 1973 horror classic ‘The Exorcist’. Why have we watched this movie so many times? Was Max von Sydow 90 for 50 years? And who the hell is Wedge Head? (28 mins – Right … Continue reading →
Natalia Pelle joins me to discuss what drives success, what we learn in our 20s and how a relationship needs a good origin story. A follow up ep will appear later in the season. (23 mins – Right click / … Continue reading →
Welcome back to more chats. Alyson Hill recorded this with me so long ago she’s forgotten everything discussed. Memories. (62 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31.0 mb – 8/1/21)
We are serious, you will have lots spoiled if you listen to Nick, Justine and Matt break down one of the best films of 2019. We all loved it, so we get pretty into it. (60 mins – Right click … Continue reading →
I am joined this time by Mark Evans, who gets blindsided by some tricky questions. We talk about what is valued in school, how much are we defined by our youth, and why we struggle with our own brains.
Also, I messed up the start of the ep, so the sound isn’t the best for the first 9-10 minutes.
(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 25.9 mb – 12/1/20)
In part 3 of our 1999 chat Justine and Nick discuss the sensation of the year. How it worked so effectively in convincing people it was real. Husband and Wife fight over the actual quality of the film as Nick sips a cider. Go stand in the corner Matt.
Go stand in the corner Matt.
(36 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 16.9 mb – 5/1/20)
In part 2 of our 1999 series Wiggo joins me to discuss the best year of movies, sport and parties. Of course we start talking about obscure comedies from the 80s and Wiggo explains how a ranking system of 1 to 10 works.
Whoa.
(45 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.2 mb – 29/12/19)
To kick off our 3 part series of the best movies of 1999 I’m joined by Duncan Driver and Nick Maniatis to discuss the end of the century and just what made this year so darn amazing in film and which characters did we relate to then and now.
(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 52.5 mb – 22/12/19)
I’m joined by Betty Chau to talk about the love of New Kids on The Block, moving from Hong Kong to a country town, what parents give up, being a freak and the shining of light.
Pleasant.
http://www.thehowlingfantods.com/chattering_classes/51_Chattering_Classes.mp3
Let us know on Facebook if you want to be part of this podcast.
(41 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 26.6 mb – 2/1/19)
Joining me for this milestone episode. 50 eps in and we are back to where it started. Talking with Nick covers the usual discussions of film, handling success, starting high school and the problems with ego.
Name the behaviour not the podcaster.
http://www.thehowlingfantods.com/chattering_classes/50_Chattering_Classes.mp3
Let us know on Facebook if you want to be part of this podcast.
(64 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 24.7 mb – 26/12/18)
I go way back to the scene of episode 14 to catch up with the Nursiest Nurse in the world, Catherine Campbell. We go over empty nesting, the nature of service and the best bus story of the year.
Merry.
http://www.thehowlingfantods.com/chattering_classes/49_Chattering_Classes.mp3
Let us know on Facebook if you want to be part of this podcast.
(42 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 10.6mb – 9/12/18)