Canberra: Conversations in the Capital: Recent Episodes
Henry Xu
A podcast about Canberrans, for Canberrans. 20-30 minute interviews showcasing members of the Nation's Capital, Australia. Created by Henry Xu; recorded throughout the City.
For the extended-length season finale, Henry chats with Tim Miller, founder of Lids4Kids and 2021 Australian of the Year Local Hero. Conversations occur throughout a tour around Lids4Kids Headquarters and range from Tim's experiences beginning Lids4Kids, managing a social enterprise, as well as a look behind the curtain for the AOTY Awards.
Henry chats with Canberra's premier wedding painter, Grace Campbell. Conversations range from Grace's experiences so far in the profession to advice and insight for weddings in the Nation's Capital.
Henry chats with stand-up comedian Trish Hurley of The Women's Room. Conversations range from Trish's journey into the Canberra comedy scene, as well as insight into connecting ones life's experiences toward the craft.
Henry chats with Evan Buckley of Canberra band The Burley Griffin. Conversations include Evan's experiences on stage, his thoughts on the Canberra music scene post-COVID19, as well as some reflections on the legacy of The Burley Griffin in the Nation's Capital.
Henry chats with Alice Taylor of Elsie's Film House, the new Creative Producer and Program Coordinator of the National Film and Sound Archives. Conversations range from Alice's experiences in the film/TV industry, to her thoughts and reflections on the value of film and community.
For this extended-length season opener, Henry chats with the beloved Aunty Val Dempsey from St John's Ambulance ACT, the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year. Conversations range from Val's experiences volunteering, her memories of the AOTY celebrations, as well as some reflective insight into the volunteering scene in the Nation's Capital.
For this extended-length season finale, Henry chats with Gavin Smith of ACT Snake Removals. Conversations range from the Canberra Snake Tracking Project to Gavin's reflections on the perception of snakes and importance of wildlife and ecology in the present day.
This episode, Henry chats with visual artist Tommy Balogh. Conversations range from Tommy's art-related adventures, both in Canberra and around the world, as well as his current and future projects in the profession.
This episode, Henry chats with musician Sophie Edwards. Conversations range from Sophie's musical journey and She's On The Bill to reflections on the Canberra music scene and its future.
This episode, Henry chats with John Delmenico- Head Writer and Editor of The Chaser. Conversations range from John's experiences being part of The Chaser institution, his thoughts on the founding "Chaser Boys", as well as reflections on the role of political satire in the modern day.
This episode, Henry chats with Olympic cyclist and Commonwealth gold medalist, Chloe Hosking. Recorded at Stromlo Forest Park, conversations range from Chloe's experiences cycling around the world, to her reflections on a post-professional sporting career.
In the season premiere, Henry chats with the proprietor of Alpaca Magic- Glynda Bluhm. Recorded on the farmstead, conversations range from Glynda's beginnings with alpacas and llamas, to her experiences with these fluffy animals over the last 25 years.
Henry chats with Zac Young, the co-founder of Kita: Canberra’s own after-hours café. Recorded ahead of the institution's five-year anniversary, conversations for the season finale range from the history and origins of the space to Kita's cult following and famous Curry of the Week.
This episode, Henry chats with Sita Sargeant, founder and director of She Shapes History. Recorded at Old Parliament House, conversations range from the history and creation of Sita's organization to making Australian women's history more accessible.
This episode, Henry chats with performance designer Aislinn King. Recorded in Canberra Theatre Centre's Courtyard Studio, conversations range from Aislinn's favorite design creations and collaborations to her national and international experiences in the field.
This episode, Henry chats with international award-winning photographer Ari Rex. Recorded at Wildbark in Throsby, conversations range from Ari's astrophotography workshops to becoming Nature Photographer of the Year in 2020, as well as shooting with infrared lenses.
This episode, Henry chats with filmmaker Dan Sanguineti inside the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Watson. Conversations range from the AIE to Dan's experiences in his profession as a person with autism and ADHD, as well as Canberra's current filmmaking landscape.
A new lap. In the season premiere, Henry chats with NBL Hall of Famer Cal Bruton, OAM. Recorded inside the SFX College Gym where Cal runs his Bruton Basketball workshops, conversations range from Cal's career in the NBL, his contributions and legacy to the sport, as well as Canberra's basketball scene in the present day.
In the season finale, Henry chats with Jim Andrews: co-founder of Reload Bar & Games. Recorded inside 1Up, conversations range from the history of the Reload organization, memorable stories and experiences as well as reflections on the evolution of Canberra's Sydney Building.
This episode, Henry chats with visual artist Sally Black from her studio at Strathnairn Arts. Conversations range from Sally's journey to discussions about modern exhibitions and Canberra's growing art scene.
This episode, Henry chats with Elyssa Castles of the Molonglo Conservation Group. Recorded at the Googong Township, conversations range from Elyssa's journey to the intriguing pink-tailed worm lizard.
This episode, Henry chats with Duncan Driver of Lakespeare. Recorded inside Chifley Library on ANU campus, conversations range from the origins of Lakespeare to Duncan's additional insights in teaching and The Beatles.
This episode, Henry chats with Sam Dowdall- The Barter Barber. Recorded inside their Ken Oath Barbershop, conversations range from the history and ideology of Sam's project and journey, to the importance of mental health within this day and age.
In the season premiere, Henry chats with Canberra legend Tim the Yowie Man. Recorded inside the National Film and Sound Archives, conversations range from the origins of the TYM character, fun adventures and experiences over the last few decades, and his famous legal battle with Cadbury.
Henry chats with Soumi Tannous, co-owner of Bar Beirut and 2022 AHA Host of the Year. In collaboration with Thorial and ACT City Renewal, this special extended-length episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Conversations range from Soumi's journey to Australia and his experiences regarding the Canberra hospitality scene.
In the season finale, Henry chats with Kim Huynh- most notably of ANU and ABC Radio Canberra. Recorded inside the Belconnen Tennis Club, conversations range from Kim's childhood in Canberra to experiences with ABC Radio and his insight on the Nation's Capital.
In this episode, Henry chats with Isaac Martin and Ella McCarthy of ANU Solar Racing. Recorded inside the team's workshop on Australian National University campus grounds, conversations range from the team's origins to preparations for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
In this episode, Henry chats with Anne Masters- the woman behind the Gallery of Small Things in Watson. Recorded inside the Gallery, conversations range from the institution's origins to the history of the Canberra visual arts scene.
In this episode, Henry chats with Peta Bulling- the ACT Conservation Council Nature and Waterways Campaigner. Recorded inside their offices, conversations range from the Lawson Grasslands to the life of an environmental campaigner.
In this episode, Henry chats with Grant Simpson- the lead singer of Canberra band ARCHIE. Recorded inside Darling Street Studios in Mitchell, conversations range from the formation of the band, to some of their most memorable gigs and collaborations.
In this season premiere, Henry chats with visual artist Trevor Dickinson. Recorded from his art studio in Newcastle, conversations range from Trevor's journey to Canberra, his iconic bus shelter art, and reflections on the Nation's Capital.
It's a bar season. In the season finale, Henry chats with Kierain Bunton, Venue Manager of Transit Bar- Gig City. Recorded days after the new venue had officially opened, conversations include the history and future of Transit, as well as Kierain's own bar dreams and ambitions.
It's a bar season. Henry chats with Hayden Griffiths-Woodward, Bar Manager of Wilma and The Pearl. Recorded a week after the location had officially opened, conversations include the creation of and his vision for the bar, as well as Hayden's reflections on his time in hospitality.
It's a bar season. Henry chats with Venue Manager of Bar Rochford, Ryan Smith. Recorded during its prepping hours, conversations include the history of the bar, Ryan's advice for younger bartenders, as well as insight into orange and volcano wines.
It's a bar season. Henry chats with Nicholas Train- Venue Manager of Molly. Recorded inside its member's lounge, conversations include Nic's advice for bartenders, memories of Old Molly, as well as his thoughts on whisky sours.
It's a bar season. Henry chats with Rohan Walsh- Venue Manager of The Highball Express. One of the last interviews recorded inside its old venue, conversations include Rohan's experiences behind the counter, the bar's theme and backstory, as well as the science behind making cocktails.
It's a bar season. In the opener, Henry chats with Hippo Co Venue Manager- Nick Weir. Recorded inside the bar in Garema Place, conversations include Nick's hospitality experience, his time at Hippo Co, as well some insight into the bar's history and charm.
In this season finale, Henry chats with musical artist Lucy Sugerman. Recorded from Kita in Narrabundah, conversations include Lucy's time on the Voice, her songwriting style, and opening Summersalt 2021 in her hometown.
In this episode, Henry chats with Michael Wilkinson, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Escape Rooms Canberra. Conversations range from Escape Room Canberra's history, future, as well as Psycho Killer- the worldwide card game which the company has produced. Recorded inside Garden Party, Escape Room Canberra's cocktail bar and function space.
This episode, Henry's conversations with Pat range from his time working with Questacon, the importance of science communication, and adventures with his daughter- Lucy. Recorded inside the National Science and Technology Centre.
In this episode, Henry chats with Andy and Millie, two rangers from the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Recorded inside The Woolshed on Mulligans Flat grounds, conversations range from the history and stories of Mulligans Flat to the importance of conserving and preserving nature.
In this episode, Henry chats with the novelist behind The Rook Files book series, Daniel O'Malley. Recorded outside the National Library of Australia, conversations include Dan's early life, publishing The Rook, and his writing techniques and inspirations.
In this season premiere, Henry chats with 63-year-old Sue Freeman of Runaround DJs. Recorded from her home, conversations include Sue's memorable gigs, going viral overnight, and her adoring fanbase.
This episode, Henry chats with Canberra conductor Leonard Weiss. Recorded inside the National Carillon, conversations range from Leonard's multi-instrumentalist stories to his dream performance to conduct.
This episode, Henry chats with Eliza Mowle and Jess Fordyce of Trash Gather about the organization, their interactive school workshop program, as well as the team's past, present, and future. Recorded next to Lake Ginninderra.
This episode, Henry chats with Signs & Symbols lead singer Brent Brosnan about the band, their songs, and the growing Canberra music scene. Recorded inside the Blacksun Rehearsal Studios.
This episode, Henry chats with Han Worsley, CEO of Country to Canberra, about the organization, their busy schedule, and the importance of mentors. Recorded near the fields of the Canberra Equestrian Centre.
This episode, Henry chats with Dan Power about his visual art, exploring the European cultural scene, and the importance of nature and the environment. Recorded inside the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
In the series premiere, Henry chats with Stew Thaung about the history of the Canberra Mandalay Bus, Stew's father George, and the future of the iconic late-night food truck. Recorded inside the Canberra Mandalay Bus.