In this episode of Country Creatives, Caleb, Aimee, and Reece reflect on the powerful role adults play in shaping the creativity of children. They share personal stories about how encouragement—or lack of it—impacted their own creative journeys, and explore how adults can either nurture or stifle curiosity and imagination.

The conversation highlights the importance of balanced support, moving beyond rigid career expectations, and creating environments where kids are free to experiment and discover their unique talents. This thoughtful discussion is a reminder of how vital it is to give the next generation room to grow creatively.

In this special episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb and Reece are joined by Aimee to answer a series of deep, thought-provoking questions left by last week’s guest, Mayan Gagliardi.

Together, they explore the delicate balance between creating art for personal fulfillment and making work for commercial purposes, and the unique challenges young creatives face as they find their footing in the industry. The trio reflects on the impact their work has on others, the struggles and rewards of the creative process, and the role of persistence in building a sustainable career.

They also share updates on their current projects and dive into an open conversation about the role of manifestation in the creative journey. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion that offers inspiration for artists at any stage of their career.

In this episode of Country Creatives, Caleb sits down with emerging creative Mayan Gagliardi for an inspiring conversation about stepping into the arts industry as a young person. Recorded at the Emporium Creative Hub, where Mayan spent a week immersed in creative projects, this chat offers a glimpse into the mindset and motivations of the next generation of artists.

Mayan shares how his diverse influences, including music, street art, film set building and storytelling, have shaped his creative journey so far. From navigating personal setbacks to working on collaborative projects and exploring new creative technologies, he reflects on the importance of community and the many pathways available in the arts today.

This episode is a candid look at what it takes to find your voice, build your craft, and pursue creativity with purpose.

Click HERE find out more about the RIVE software Mayan mentions in the episode

In this episode of Country Creatives, Reece and Caleb dive into the world of community festivals, focusing on the iconic Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival and a new initiative called the Ideas Forum. As president of Eaglehawk Festivals Inc., Reece shares the vision behind the forum—an open call for new ideas to help evolve the festival while honouring its deep local roots.

They explore the importance of community involvement, the realities of post-COVID adaptation, and the challenge of volunteer fatigue—all while offering a hopeful look at how creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into beloved traditions.

Whether you're a creative, a community-builder, or just love a good festival, this episode is a celebration of reinvention, inclusion, and collective imagination.

Find out more on the festival HERE

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb Maxwell and Reece Hendy unpack Caleb’s recent adventure: climbing a mountain in the Solomon Islands. What started as a physical challenge became a powerful act of service, as Caleb and longtime friend Mark Morley raised over $15,000 for a school in Fiji—an initiative close to Caleb’s heart and community.

The conversation explores the emotional and physical highs and lows of the journey, the logistics of grassroots fundraising, and the power of friendship in achieving something meaningful. Whether you're a creative, a community-minded adventurer, or someone looking for inspiration to give back, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on how personal goals can drive real-world change.

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Reece and Aimee sit down with Bendigo-based writer Rachel Nightingale to explore the winding path of her creative career and the release of her upcoming novel Raluana Lane. Rachel shares insights from her early love of storytelling, her shift between academic and creative writing, and the emotional and logistical challenges of authorship.

Diving into the process behind her latest historical drama—set during World War II and inspired by true events—Rachel discusses the tension between traditional and self-publishing, the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic on narrative themes, and what it takes to write with heart and historical depth.

Rachel’s new book Raluana Lane will be available from July 1st, with a special launch event happening June 29th at the Emporium Creative Hub.

Learn more about Rachel HERE

In this solo episode of Country Creatives, host Caleb Maxwell takes a deep dive into one of the most powerful tools in a creative's toolkit: personal branding.

Far from being about logos or catchy slogans, Caleb unpacks personal branding as the way others perceive, describe, and ultimately trust you. He shares why being known matters, and how building a brand can open doors to more opportunities, higher impact, and greater pricing power.

With thoughtful insights, real-world experiences, and actionable advice, Caleb offers a roadmap for creatives who want to build their personal brand authentically and intentionally. 

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb and Reece sit down with returning guest Patrick Thompson to unpack his bold leap from agency life to full-time freelance business owner. After years at Blunt Agency, Patrick shares what it’s been like to step into self-employment—navigating the highs, the challenges, and the learning curves of managing both client work and business development.

The conversation dives into the nuances between freelancing and running a business, building a sustainable work rhythm, and how to align your professional life with your creative energy. Whether you're thinking about going out on your own or simply curious about what it takes, this episode is full of honest insights and practical advice.

In this mini Country Creatives snippet, hosts Caleb Maxwell and Reece Hendy dive into the kinds of guests and conversations that light them up.

They reflect on the types of creatives they’re drawn to—philosophical thinkers, bold innovators, and people who’ve taken unconventional paths in their creative careers. The hosts also extend a warm invitation to listeners: Know someone inspiring? Want to nominate yourself? They're open to guest suggestions from anywhere, not just Bendigo.

This short and thoughtful episode is a call-out for meaningful conversations and new connections, with a few hints at exciting future plans—including revisiting favourite past guests and aiming high for new voices.

Find the form HERE

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Reece Hendy and Caleb Maxwell sit down with the Honourable Colin Brooks, Victoria’s Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing and Minister for Creative Industries.

The conversation explores how government portfolios are assigned, the fascinating relationship between the creative industries and advanced manufacturing, and Colin’s surprising love for contemporary dance. He reflects on the critical importance of equitable access to creative opportunities, especially for people in regional areas and underrepresented communities.

Colin also shares insights into current and upcoming government initiatives designed to support creatives across Victoria, offering listeners a rare peek behind the policy curtain. The episode wraps with a lighthearted yes-or-no round that gives us a playful glimpse into the Minister’s personality.

Whether you’re a practicing artist, creative entrepreneur, or policy nerd—this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and genuine moments.