The Truth Behind Canberra Coffee Shops explores the experiences and perspective of Dillon McElroy, a student barista working at the University of Canberra. Through a thorough and engaging conversation with Dillon, we discuss why Canberra ritualises coffee, and how that ritualisation impacts independent businesses. Dillon’s unique perspective differentiates cafes from chain coffee shops, and explores the unique experience of working at a university espresso bar. Filled with humour, pure authenticity, and playful competition, listen as we uncover the ‘dirty beans’ of Canberra’s coffee culture.

Bio: Dillon McElroy is a second-year psychology student with a passion for mental health advocacy and coffee, who currently works at Nomad espresso bar in the University of Canberra. McElroy joins us on Dirty Beans: The Truth Behind Canberra Coffee Shops, to explore the lifestyle and workplace behind independent businesses. From bizarre orders, to competition on campus, McElroy highlights the people and experiences behind Canberra’s thriving coffee culture.

Creators: Sophie Foley, Isabelle Bauer, Nisala Makumbura, Ethan Charlton

Attribution:

In this episode, students of the University of Canberra talk to a local Australian Defence Force Academy student, Matthew Tyo, who moved from America to Australia. Matthew shares his motivations for joining the Australian Defence Force as well as his experiences studying at ADFA. Listen in as we discuss the big differences between Australia and America as well as the current Australian military culture.

Bio: Joseph Matthew Tyo (Prefered name: Matthew), He/Him. Australian/American Dual citizens lived in America for 12 years before moving to Canberra, Australia, in 2015. He now attends the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) as a student. He has been attending ADFA for three years.

Creators: Kieran Goldston, Natasha Hoskings, James Nguyen, Sebastian Johns

Attribution:

In this episode, we sit down with a 22-year-old, small business owner, and a thriving member of Canberra’s queer alternative scene. We dive into stories of his youth and share with you his past as a young queer child in Canberra. We discuss the often-overlooked stories of queer-hood and share light on issues within the community. So please, relax and listen in as we share with you the story of Spencer Burns.

Bio: Spencer Burns is a 22 year old small business owner working on Ngunnawal land. He is a member of the thriving queer alternative scene in Canberra and prides himself on creating art for queer people. Spencer came out as gay at thirteen, and since then has been learning to find acceptance within himself. His expression and transgressive personal style often draws attention and backlash from less accepting members of the Canberra community. However, he celebrates his own expression and identity, and advocates for others to express themselves in the way they feel best suits them.

Creators: Lleyton Hartwell, Audrey McCormick, Lema Khoram, Alex McLay

Attribution:

This podcast episode will delve into the life of our guest, Jo Prego, a Spanish Australian residing in Canberra, Australia since 1970. Our focus for today's episode will be on discussing the racism that Jo has experienced or witnessed in Canberra and the improvements that have been made to address these issues. Jo's experiences of childhood bullying and discrimination highlight the prevalent racism and discrimination during the 1970s, a challenging time for many immigrants. Additionally, his journey as an architecture student at the University of Canberra serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for current and future UC students.

Bio: Jo Prego is a Spanish Australian who has lived in both Spain and Canberra. He migrated to Australia when he was 7 years of age and completed his education in Canberra during the 70’s and 80’s, finalising at the University of Canberra in the late 1980’s. He experienced racism in Canberra which at the time was a very homogeneous society.

Creators: Brodie Campbell, Krista Wynn, Luca Prego-Sanchez, and Joanne Le

Attribution:

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we sit down with Anika Chan to explore the worlds of music and science, and her experience of being in those fields. We explore the challenges and triumphs she has experienced, which leaves you with a fresh perspective of her work. This episode uncovers the fascinating truths of each industry, resulting in thought provoking conversations about inequality for women in STEM, the differences and similarities between music and science, and overall how to juggle such a heavy workload.

Bio: Anika Chan, is a 21 year old women who moved to Canberra to pursue her passions in astrophysics and music. Anika is in her third year studying at the Australian National University, where she partakes in studying an astrophysics degree as well as helping to tutor younger years. Anika is also in a band called Ellery of String Quartet where she plays the violin. Anika has had music be a profound part of her life since she was young, which allows her to tap into her creativity. Anika is passionate about what she does, and extends her knowledge and experiences to listeners, inspiring young women to push the boundaries and excel.

Creators: Georgia Crossley, Jack Jones, Spencer Wilds

Attribution:

This episode of Listening to Canberra Voices contains descriptions of conflict and the impact of trauma on children, listener discretion is advised. In 1991, Antonia became a refugee when Dubrovnik was besieged due to ongoing fighting in the Croatian War of Independence. She was 11 years old. Because of her experience, in Croatia, the natural world felt dangerous and hostile. Living in Canberra presented Antonia with the opportunity to spend time in nature, up on Mt Majura. What followed was a catharsis, a journey of reconnection and healing.

Bio: Antonia is a Croatian-Australian woman, living in Canberra. She was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Antonia moved to Australia in 2014, with daughters Mara and Rossa, and husband Saša. Antonia and her family have become integral parts of the inner north community. They cultivated a wonderful veggie garden and set up an honesty box in their front yard for neighbours to buy produce. They ran Canberra Magic Kitchen, selling nutritious vegan meals. While Antonia has moved on to other projects, she is still an active participant in her community and loves living in the bush capital.

Creators: Matt Simmons, Maeve Hallett, Liv Aulia, Aiden Liu

Attribution:

Imagine living with your body constantly twitching and moving and then add verbal tics on top of it. Meet Peta Longhurst, an amazing individual who lives with Tourette’s. Tourette’s is a neurological condition with research indicating that as many as one in 100 school children may be affected in Australia. Tourette’s is more than tics and more than just swearing, with only 10 percent of people with the condition having coprolalia (the swearing tic). To raise awareness of the condition Peta is about to ride from Canberra to Brisbane by motorbike, stopping at regional schools till she gets to Queensland to then ride back down to Sydney where she will arrive at Tourette’s camp.

Bio: Peta Longhurst is a local Canberran who enjoys motorcycle riding and currently works as a mountain biker instructor with over 2000 working hours under her belt in teaching others to ride mountain bikes. Peta also lives with Tourette’s Syndrome. She was diagnosed in her teens and has been navigating her way through life with this condition ever since. Peta speaks on her experiences and struggles within different work forces until she began working with her parents in their family business of teaching mountain bike riding. Peta is currently touring through the East coast of Australia and spreading awareness in schools and other community events about Tourette’s Syndrome.

Creators: Emmy-Lou Norton, Emily Haynes, and Astrid Watts

Audio attribution:

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we explore the dynamic music scene of Canberra, featuring interviews with emerging musicians who are leaving their mark on the capital. Lachlan McPherson, a local music expert and member of the heavy metal band Highland Light, shares insights into his dual roles as a band member and indie solo artist as well as what it is like behind the camera. We also hear from Lilly, a female artist who contrasts Sydney’ s music scene with Canberra’s. This episode highlights the diverse genres, the hurdles of breaking into a smaller market, and Canberra’s vibrant live music culture that nurtures burgeoning talent.

Bios:

Attribution:

In this episode, hosts Ella Crane and Connor Hedley interview local award-winning musician Sylvia Wang. Sylvia is a second-generation migrant and avid volunteer, providing accompaniment for the Australian Military Wives Choir and performing with local band ‘Napoleon Ice Cream’. Join us as Sylvia takes us through her tale of migration, education, music and a profound message as to what it means to be ‘perfect’.

Bio: Sylvia Wang is a native Canberran and second-generation migrant who is passionate aboutserving her local community. An award-winning musician, she won first place at theKerry Evans Memorial Piano National Competition, works with Defence as the national accompanist of the Australian Military Wives Choir, gigs with her band ‘Napoleon Ice Cream’, and provides many other musical services. She holds Bachelors degrees in both Music and Law as well as a Masters in Legal Practice. Sylvia volunteers all over town: as a legal advocate, organising events for local dentists, participating in the ACT ice skating association (ACTISA) and martial arts (Judo and Wushu) communities, and as a member of the SES.

Attribution:

In this episode, we sit down with a local cake business owner, university student, and social media content creator Ebony May. Ebony shares her story of developing her passion into a successful business while juggling her other responsibilities. Listen in as we discuss her challenges, triumphs, and tips and tricks for aspiring entrepreneurs and social media content creators.

Creators: Mack Holz, Jessica Thway

Attribution: