The Western: Recent Episodes
The Western
A media platform showcasing the Western Suburbs. We aim to inspire and encourage the community through storytelling.
We are The Western
The Western is here to bring you more coverage of Blacktown Arts’ Magnify program! From June 1-3, locals and guests alike had the opportunity to celebrate art, food, and connection across Blacktown City. Exciting highlights include the Opening Smoke Ceremony with Uncle Wes, the spectacular Blacktown Shorts Film Festival at Blacktown Skyline Drive-in, and a table read of HANAP at Fiesta Avenue.This is Part 2 of our exclusive coverage of Magnify, a weekend-long multi-disciplinary arts program. Listen back to Part 1 of our special presentation to hear exclusive interviews with artists from Magnify!BLACKTOWN ARTSInstagram: @blacktownartsWebsite: blacktownarts.com.auHosted and edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)Intro music by Amorist (@_deathtonostalgia_)Additional music by Magic Solo via artlist.ioRecorded on unceded Darug land.
The Western is excited to be teaming up with Blacktown Arts again to cover their exciting Magnify program this year! Listen to Part 1 of our special presentation, where we feature two exclusive interviews with artists who presented at Magnify 2023.We caught up with artist and comedian Ian “Esky” Escandor, who is joined by emerging filmmaker Reg Azwar to discuss their newest collaboration In Search of the White Deer (3:10). The short doco premiered at Blacktown Shorts Film Festival, a film program founded by local screen creative Vonne Patiag. We got to know Esky and Reg’s interests in film, along with their story behind the humorous and heartfelt film projectWe then chatted with Filipinx baddies Rizcel Gagawanan and Mark Mariano, who teamed up together for HANAP, an intimate but laugh-out-loud play about Filipinos in diaspora (30:43). In preparation for their table reading at Fiesta Avenue, we talked about the origins of their theatre project, what it means to represent yourself in writing and performance through collectivity.Don’t forget to listen to Part 2 to hear some exclusive highlights from Magnify 2023!GUESTSIan “Esky” Escandor: @esky.eskReg Azwar: @regxazrMark Mariano: @markusmuchRizcel Gagawanan: @rizcel.akoBLACKTOWN ARTSInstagram: @blacktownartsWebsite: blacktownarts.com.auRecorded on unceded Darug land. First interview recorded at Street University Mount Druitt on May 29 2023. Second interview recorded at Blacktown Arts on June 2 2023.Hosted and edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)Intro music by Amorist (@_deathtonostalgia_)Additional music by Magic Solo via artlist.io
Sereen Omran is a Muslim musician, filmmaker, and TikTokker based in Padstow, who directed and wrote her debut short film, Towel Head. A musical comedy-drama set in Southwest Sydney, Sereen’s film reflects on the adversities faced by female Muslim artists, while also promoting messages of empowerment through self-love for one’s identity. We chat with the multi-talented artist about her early experiences with cinema, her influences for Towel Head, and the importance of good self-representation in Western media. A must-listen for Western Sydney filmmakers!Towel Head is available to watch for FREE on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFEYbloCCeISEREEN OMRANInstagram/TikTok: @sereensoundsHosted and edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)Music by Amorist (@_deathtonostalgia_)Original recording date: June 24, 2021
The Snacc Pacc is a weekly radio program founded by two island girls hailing from Mount Druitt, Rebecca “Bek” Manibog and Adele “Del” Luamanuvae. The Filipina-Samoan duo founded The Snacc Pacc to share the best in the west on the radio and have featured big names from the area - from Serwah Attafuah and Breakfast Road, to Gemma Navarrete and former The Western editor Mark Mariano! We chat to Del and Bek about life before The Snacc Pacc, the stereotypes surrounding Western Sydney, and what it means to represent cultural identity in media.Be sure to catch The Snacc Pacc with Del and Bek on FBI Radio 94.5 every Saturday to hear the best from the west!THE SNACC PACC (DEL & BEK)IG: @thesnaccpaccfbiRebecca: @badiiebekAdele: @smellydelThis episode was recorded at Commonhouse (fka opn.studio), a creative space located in Glendenning. The venue offers a variety of studio spaces and resources for creatives working across music, video, podcast, and photography (with a bit of cypher on the side!). To make a booking online, visit https://commonhouse.studio/, and follow them on Instagram (@commonhouse.studio)Hosted and edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy)Intro/outro music by Amorist (@_deathtonostalgia_)Original recording date: June 15, 2021
Rizcel and Mark wrap the podcast and the first stage of their development with the 'Hanap' excerpts they prepared for the Magnify 2022 showcase. 'The Haircut Arcade' and 'Woodcroft Woes' from 'Hanap' were written by Rizcel Gagawanan and Mark Mariano with dramaturgy by Winnie Dunn and Claudia Chidiac.
Blacktown Arts is part of Blacktown City Council and is supported by Create NSW. The Magnify Creative Development project has been generously supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.
Rizcel and Mark uncover their challenges, successes, and overall expectations for this project. Together they take a deep dive into Filipino representation in Australian media, and bond over their mutual love for Hi-5's Kathleen De Leon.
Blacktown Arts is part of Blacktown City Council and is supported by Create NSW. The Magnify Creative Development project has been generously supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.
Mark and Rizcel open up about the developmental stages of their project and unwrap the cultural commonalities between them. They share some behind-the-scenes clips, a few lukewarm concepts and themes, and the creative homework tasks they set for themselves.
Blacktown Arts is part of Blacktown City Council and is supported by Create NSW. The Magnify Creative Development project has been generously supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.
The Western's Laura chats to Mark and Rizcel about their artistic backgrounds and creative processes. The two introduce the Magnify 2022 festival, reveal how they came about the program, and talk about meeting through Sweatshop.
Blacktown Arts is part of Blacktown City Council and is supported by Create NSW. The Magnify Creative Development project has been generously supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.
The Western is excited to announce our newest member on the team - say hello to Anie Kandya! She will be taking over Mark’s role as editor to give out a helping hand to our writing team. In this special episode, we break the ice with Anie to learn more about her roots in Western Sydney, what influences her as a creative, and what she looks forward to the most on the platform. We also chat about the frustrations of uni life, our shared love for TikTok, and why Westpoint beats Westfield any day!
ANIE KANDYA IG: @misandrizt
Hosted and edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Annie Shin is an award-winning Korean-born ceramic artist based in Doonside, whose works have been exhibited across the West and beyond. Currently studying a Bachelor of Advance Science, Annie incorporates concepts from her Psychology Honours into her art practice, resulting in a series of sculptures that articulate queries of internalisations and angst. Annie shares to The Western her experiences as a ceramicist, the differences between arts communities across Sydney, and what the “local experience” really means to her.
ANNIE SHIN IG: @annies Website: https://annieareumshin.tumblr.com
(NOTE: The Western Podcast will be taking a break! We will spend this time contacting guests and recording more episodes for the second half of this season, and will return in early August.)
Hosted and edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Lamisa Haque is a budding educator and writer based in Liverpool, who works part-time with youth at StoryFactory Parramatta. She is one of six founders behind The Pvblication, a volunteer-run online platform that publishes weekly articles that aim to decolonise spaces through personal experiences, and engage with empathetic conversations. We speak to Lamisa about the platform’s humble beginnings, what “decolonisation” means to the team, and how to deal with backlash and criticism online.
The Pvblication is also currently looking for diverse writers to contribute to the platform! If you are interested in submitting pieces and pitching new ideas, please hit up The Pvblication below on their socials.
THE PVBLICATION: Instagram and TikTok: @thepvblication Website: thepvblication.com
LAMISA HAQUE: Instagram: @wondermissa
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Christine Abadir is a 20-year-old content creator based in Mount Druitt. While studying art, Christine decided to create a TikTok account for fun - until one day, one of her videos became viral! With this rise to fame, she took content creation more seriously in the hopes of advocating change in Mount Druitt, inspiring youth, and reaching out to the community. The Western’s EIC, Laura, learns more about Christine’s life before virality, her process of becoming a content creator, and the importance of embracing yourself without shame!
CHRISTINE ABADIR: TikTok and Instagram: @christineabadir
Hosted by Laura Ranola (@lauranola) Edited by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei)
Joseph “Butch” Schwarzkopf Jr. is a Filipinx poet and filmmaker based in Campbelltown. Although Butch has published works across Sydney and the United States, he remains more familiar with his online communities than his local circles. In this thought-provoking and challenging discussion, we speak to Butch about the differences between FilAus and FilAm diasporas, how community development works in life cycles, and the future of Filipino communities across Sydney.
BUTCH SCHWARZKOPF Instagram: @butchoy.sch Twitter: @butchoykubo Speak Cebuano w/ Butchoy & Tiffany!: @speakcebuano
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Jazel Jozic is a Filipino-Croatian creatress based in Merrylands, and founder of Culture Shock, a digital platform spotlighting creatives of colour in the arts. Working in graphics, photography, and event space, Jazel has connected with big names across Sydney’s creative scene. We spoke to Jazel about Culture Shock’s humble beginnings, the move from the North Shore to the West, and the importance of having a voice in male-dominated spaces. A must-listen for aspiring female creatives!
JAZEL JOZIC Instagram: @jayyyslays
CULTURE SHOCK Instagram: @cultureshock.au Facebook: Culture Shock AU
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Jade Diaz is a queer non-binary Filipino makeup artist based in Rooty Hill. With previous experiences in Sydney’s drag and queer community, Jade now practices their creativity as a solo artist in the comfort of their own home. We talk to Jade about their experiences with navigating white spaces as a genderfluid person of colour, the switch from community care to self-care, and the healing art of working alone.
Jade Diaz Instagram: @nearvouv
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Gerard Cabellon is a filmmaker and breakdancer hailing from the humble streets of Woodcroft. His directorial debut, Prodigal Son, represents the nuanced experiences of Filipinos across three generations in Western Sydney. We talk to Gerard about his practice and some of his inspirations behind his short film, as well as some sage advice for future Western Sydney storytellers.
GERARD CABELLON Instagram: @8erard Watch him breakdance! @tekthekid
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
In our Season 4 debut, we interview Raven Pajarillaga, a Marayong-based artist whose surreal and vivid paintings earned a spot at the Blacktown Art Prize in 2020. Raven shares his humble beginnings in art, the story behind his BAC nomination, and why vulnerability is so important as an artist. A deeply thought-provoking and inspiring interview, there is much to learn from our modern-day Basquiat!
RAVEN PAJARILLAGA Instagram: @ra7en
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
The Western Podcast is back for Season 4! Hosting the pods for this season is our editorial writer, Nicole Cadelina. In our little introductory episode, Nicole shares a bit about herself, what The Western team has to offer this year, and our upcoming guests for this season. Get hyped!
Who would you love to hear on The Western Podcast? Drop us a message on Instagram, or visit thewestern.com.au
SOCIALS Nicole Cadelina - Instagram: @ ni.muy The Western - Instagram: @ the.western
Hosted by Nicole Cadelina (@ni.muy) Music by Clarissa Mei (@clarissamei) Podcast created by Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
In this episode we get to chat with Jay the co-founder of the Kickz Stand. With over 40k members on Facebook, the Kickz Stand is one of Australia's largest sneaker and lifestyle community. Jay shares with us his journey. Tune in for more info!
In this episode we chat about what 'adulting' is like and what makes you an adult. Featuring special guests Maxedout films, Clarissa Mei and Videographer Benji Bock! Tune in to find out more!
In this episode we talk about emotional or logical thinking. Does removing emotion make us less human?
In this episode Esky gets to chat with Western Sydney Director Vonne about his interesting journey in the film industry. Vonne directed Tomgirl and the ABC series Halal Gurls, tune in to hear about all things film.
In this episode we get to chat to globe trotter Leanne Melody. Editor Mark Mariano sits down with Leanne to chat about her crazy life as an influencer.
In this episode we talk about the interesting pandemic COVID -19 we are all currently facing. This episode was streamed live on instagram.
In this episode we talk about the consequences of having expectations and the lessons we've learnt from them.
In this episode we chat to opnsrc.co founder Ricky Tana. Ricky shares his journey on starting an entertainment, promotions and management agency for West Sydney by West Sydney. Tune in to hear his story.
In this episode we get to chat to poet, actress, songwriter, rapper, Zeadala. Western's Editor Mark takes us on journey to discover Zee's creative process and secrets to navigating the life of a creative.
Woah Season Three! In this episode founder Laura Ranola, Editor Mark Mariano and Writer Erin Assur reflect on 2019 and talk about whats to come in 2020! Tune into our first episode of the season.
In this episode we get to chat to indie rock band Breakfast road. Three friends that started the band in high school are now performing all around Sydney. Breakfast Road released their new single 'Letting you know' a catchy feel good track, you're bound to want to hear more about them. Tune in to hear their story.
In this episode we get to chat to Western Sydney photographer Kay. She chats to us about how she started her own business and soon became the official photographer for Onefour Official. Tune in to hear her story!
In this episode we get to chat to the master minds behind the perfectly curated rap duo Inq.uisitive minds. We pick their brains and find out their secrets to being creatively sound. Tune in to find out more!
In this episode we get to chat to Redscope. Redscope is a creative agency founded by two friends who studied Design together in our very own Western Sydney University. Tune in to hear their inspiring story.
In this episode we get to interview Marielle Pablo. A female hip hop dancer who has travelled to the USA to compete in the World Hip Hop Championships. Marielle has mentored dance crews such as Rooty Hill High School who won the Bring it On title in 2018. She shares her story of how she fell in love with dance and what she does to continue fuelling her passion. Tune in to hear her story.
In this episode we get to chat to Sparrow and Jireh. Both these beautiful ladies are upcoming artists in music and dance. We talk about self love, confidence and faith. Tune in to feel inspired and encouraged!
In this episode we get to chat to Alissa Morada. Three years ago Alissa started her own business 'Alissa's Bakery' as a make up artist. Since then she has learnt a lot about herself and others. She shares with us her incredible journey, join us to get a scoop on how she started and why she keeps going!
In this episode we get to chat to the young achiever Jason Denison. Jase is a photographer from Bidwill who took opportunities from the moment they arised to find that community and networking is key. Tune in to listen to his journey.
As the year comes to a close the western team get together and talk about our first year together! A big thank you to everyone who's come along on the journey and to everyone that has been listening! We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Much Love, The Western
In this episode we have a quick chat with Western Sydney's upcoming clothing label Chainmail. They share with us a bit about themselves and the reasons behind what they do. Tune in for Chainmail's inspiring journey.
In this episode we had the opportunity to chat with Western Sydney bassist, Eric Fortaleza. Eric's heart is for the west and has continued to push and ignite music within the community by hosting the Western Sydney Jam. Eric shares with us his story on how he went from teaching to playing bass and also shares with us a few tips that helped him get to where he is today. An episode you don't want to miss....
In this episode we get to chat to Australia's Number 1 break Dancer Lowe Napalan. Lowe has been dancing for 18 years and is making waves internationally and here in Australia. He shares with us his journey in the breaking scene. Tune in to hear Lowe's story.
In this episode we got to interview Deniz from Maxed Out films. He shares with us his journey in the film industry. Deniz has filmed for business organisations, documentaries, community events and also films music videos! Here's a Fun Fact: We met Deniz through a friend of a friend and now Deniz has jumped on the western Wagon helping us film and edit! We love having Deniz on board, he is an amazing creative and we are constantly learning and drawing inspiration from him. Shoutout to Deniz for being Deniz! Tune in to hear his story!
In this episode we interviewed the amazing Krystel Diola! Who started off in PR and somehow ended up in the DJ scene. Miss Diola shares with us her journey and also teaches us to never say no to opportunities! Tune in for an awesome story and a few laughs!
In this episode we get to go deeper with the up and coming rnb artist Kymie. She shares with us the importance of loving yourself first and also shares with us her love of oreos. Tune in to this awesome episode.
In this episode we got to interview Ricky Nifo who recently appeared on the voice. Ricky listened to Sam Cooke who had influenced him to sing soul and gospel ballads. Ricky recently took the risk to chase his dreams as a singer, with his supportive family behind him there is no stopping him now. Tune in to hear about his amazing journey.
In this episode we've inserted our new intro song created by Clarissa Mei! Many thank you's for the new beat, an awesome way to introduce our special guest Kevin Guanzon. Kevin started off as a designer but found his way into barbering. Through his journey he's discovering a whole new way of creating meaningful relationships, tune in to hear his story.
In this episode we talk about Chrissy Mae's journey on becoming an actress and what she did to get there and we also get to talk about her Production House The Loftbed Studios and their upcoming premiere "How to write your soul".
In this episode we talk about what the western is and what we're about, we also share a little bit of our own person experiences of living in the western suburbs and discuss 3 myths we've heard about the west.