My first guest for 2023, Miles Baker, guitarist for Interloper and Voidbringer, opens up discussing his challenges with attention and memory, specifically how he tackles misplacing items, forgetfulness and how that contrasts to his focus for music and guitar work. We discuss responding to the multitude of communication channels, do they really have ADD/ADHD or is it a behavioural issue or an excuse? Panic attacks, wasting time, never becoming complacent, exploring orchestral music and upcoming tours and what to expect this year from him.

@milesdimitribaker

@interloper

@voidbringer

photo - Nicole dib photography

Find out what Emmy Award winning Writer/Executive Producer David Mandel has been working on, why you need to build a bulletproof writing outline for your script, how Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld assisted in developing his comedy writing skills in the Seinfeld era, the importance of writing partnerships, creating and maintaining the frenetic pace of comedy, his creative partnership with Julia Louis - Dreyfus, why do we need so many executive producers these days?, stealing props, his podcast the stuff dreams are made of on props and that backstory to the Dubonnet lipstick in VEEP!  Peppered with wisdom, insights, tales from the set and anecdotes, this is one for all lovers of comedy, TV and writing. 

*Heads up : this episode talks at length about drugs, addiction, suicide*

In this incredibly raw chat, Kelllii Scott, drummer for FAILURE ( and a host of other bands) shares that the drugs/substances are not the problem, you are. He talks about 12 step programs, asking for help, leading by example, taking accountability and addressing your issues. We agree that connection is everything, integrity and showing up is vital. Real changes mean that your actions and worlds line up, otherwise your word means nothing and you continue to betray yourself. This may hit hard, but it is an absolutely a necessary dialogue to listen to.  We do talk about music too!   - drumming and creativity I find out finally what that "mystery snare" is , do I find out what " The Nurse who loved me" is about? and how Louise from Veruca Salt getting him back into music. If I had my way, I would play this to everyone because the messaging is so potent and so critical right now. We all have levels of addictions, we all create narratives...what's yours?

Join by Timo of Oceans we talk about the exciting upcoming album due out 25th November and then dive into how being personable to fans is paramount, connecting with them and ensuring they continue to seek the appropriate and/or professional help if needed. The benefit of partnering with smaller organisations /not for profits to continue to raise much needed awareness and offer support such as "The ocean in your mind" . He discusses music saving his life, the need for routines, journalling and exercise as part of his mental health tool kit. He also shares how he is quite closed with communication and " afraid of phone calls"  but uses music as an outlet for this and if you are similar or have avoidant tendencies, how you can approach seeking support. Finally we talk about the amazing narrative and involvement that the label nuclear blast are having with their artists on mental health, female related matters and a host of other issues.

I'm so grateful for this candid discussion with Drea and Gaby from The Venomous Pinks. Drea lets us into her private world explaining the recent struggles on the European tour with her mental health and how the band dealt with this. She discusses feeling dead inside, lacking motivation and how she was able to shift out of this place. We look at post tour recovery, managing overwhelm and how their song " Hold On"  has become somewhat of an anthem now to them as they manage their mental health struggles by, "pushing through and holding on" as well as a useful tool of a "code word" to alert mental health situations. Some lessons learnt from touring with the legendary Dead Kennedys and a beautiful discussion around the heart/heart chakra and how to access this to reach new limits in their creative process. We also talk about phrases that piss us off when going through a mental health moment and all the good stuff too like what we can expect from them in the near future.It really is so special when people let you into their space and I am always so deeply moved by this. xxx

Do you like to laugh out loud? If so, you probably know about Pinky Patel - PTA Mum/Mom turned comedian and content creator. Nothing was off limits and Pinky doesn't shy away from anything. From wet spots, fairy bread, Ed Sheeran, Spiders, Periods  and more!  We talk about how art and crafts are cool, our love for Seinfeld and the comedy in the every day and how crowns and lip balm became a part of Pinky's iconic look. On the serious side (but still of course peppered with humour) she discusses the balance of being a Mum/Mom and her life BSM ( before social media) and ASM ( After social media), the lessons she has learned from creating content, energy levels on tours, meeting her fans expectations, the need for us to stop putting each other down and truly finding what makes you happy. This was such an enjoyable, compassionate and entertaining chat. To check out her tour dates and what's up next swipe across or visit her instagram for links.

@pinkypatelofficial

Nik Nocturnal is a professional solo music artist (guitar), is in the band Termina and is a successful content creator of all things that encompass the world of metal music. He can be found on several platforms such as Twitch and YouTube and does fantastic metal reviews, reactions, memes and original music. If you like metal and you like laughing then definitely check him out. On this episode we talk about the evolution of his content and its growth, ways to do it yourself and collaborating along the way and some of the key learnings of this process. We talk about "taking the piss" ( Australian for: making fun of yourself) as a creative tool and persona as well ad dealing with the unfortunate side of trolls and negative feedback.Nik discusses how it's important to strike the balance between serious and silly as well as backing yourself. If you've thought about creating content of any kind, then this chart provides insights about psychology, algorithms, traction and retention and also is entertaining. Check him out on the below platforms:

https://m.twitch.tv/niknocturnal

https://www.youtube.com/c/NikNocturnal

@niknocturnal

@terminaoffical

Joined by the effervescent Jen from Making up for glossed time, who refers to herself as an " unexpected influencer", we jump in and chat about expressing ourselves creatively through clothes and make up, what to do when you like so many styles and genres,  how to dress with changing bodies and insecurities, our nostalgic love for TV show "Susannah and Trinny", breaking the habit of buying black clothes and the importance of community and inclusivity and how her instagram has created a culture that embodies this. I also pick Jen's brains on hacks for dealing with inner thigh chaffing ( if you get it...you know!), current trends and she walks me through the lessons I learnt from a dress that still has the tag on it. She is available for consults in person and online and her content is fun and educational so please check her out if you haven't already. She is truly fabulous and we hope you enjoy our chat x 

Always a pleasure to be joined by one of my favourite guitarists, Dan Baune of Devil's Train and Lost Sanctuary. As is often the case with our conversations, we cover a diverse spectrum such as looking at the theatrical pairings of sex and music on stage and in a musical context, burlesque, pole dancing, accepted levels of erotica and the dialogue around misogny vs empowerment.  We talk about 7 strings, double necked guitars, props on stage, his role as an Engineer, helping bands find their sound and we question, is there such a thing as an original sound anymore or is it all just a copy of a copy aka as the philosophical theory coined by Baudrillard, simulacra. Super excited and looking forward to the new Devil's Train album, Ashes & Bones. Check them out! 

https://www.facebook.com/devilstrain

https://www.facebook.com/dan.baune.lost.sanctuary/

A great yarn and a bit of giggle with homegrown comedian, Mel Buttle. On this episode Mel gives some great insights on how to get into comedy and discusses her personal journey. She addresses the need for an online presence, being an extroverted introvert, dealing with flight or fight and being mindful to avoid borrowing material or mimicking artists you enjoy. We also have an EXCLUSIVE reveal of Tik Tok Mum's name!!!! SO exciting! You can catch Mel at the Brisbane Comedy Festival in May or head over to her instagram and Tik Tok for fun content and updates of where you can catch her upcoming performances.