McLaren versus

By Aspect Entertainment

Acclaimed actor and performer Spencer McLaren offers an intimate and inspiring glimpse into the lives of Australia’s most celebrated performers going beyond the surface to discover the real stories of... more

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FAQs about McLaren versus:

How many episodes does McLaren versus have?

The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.

McLaren versus episodes:

August 25, 2025Marina Prior: Voice of a Generation | McLaren Versus
On this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer welcomes Marina Prior—the first lady of Australian musical theatre, whose voice and artistry have defined a generation of stage and concert performance.
From her star-making turn in The Phantom of the Opera to a remarkable career spanning the country’s biggest productions, Marina reflects on the natural arc of her journey—moving from ingénue roles sung with youthful clarity to embracing the depth and texture of complex character parts as her career matured.
It’s a conversation about artistry, adaptation, and the enduring magic of storytelling through song.
Topics Discussed:
Discovering music and performance as a young girl in Melbourne
Breaking through with The Phantom of the Opera and other landmark roles
The transition from ingénue to character roles
The discipline and daily rituals behind maintaining a world-class instrument
How motherhood and family shaped her artistry and perspective
Why live theatre remains her truest creative home
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Marina Prior
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_marina_prior
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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51min
August 11, 2025Damon Gameau: Stories for a Living Planet
In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with actor, filmmaker, and passionate change agent Damon Gameau, whose journey from beloved screen star to globally recognised impact storyteller is nothing short of remarkable.
From the runaway success of That Sugar Film to the world-building optimism of 2040, Damon shares his insights into the craft of storytelling with purpose—and what it means to be an artist who refuses to stay in their lane.
It’s a conversation about courage, creativity, and the belief that stories can quite literally change the world.
Topics Discussed:
From the hills iof Adelaide to a boat ride with Sophia Loren
What sparked Damon’s pivot from acting to impact filmmaking
How storytelling can reframe complex global challenges
The emotional intelligence behind his approach to documentary
The risks and rewards of telling stories that challenge the status quo
Why hope is a strategy—and how to keep it alive
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://futurecouncil.global/
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Damon Gameau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damon.gameau/
Like, Comment & Subscribe
If you love real stories hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Damon film or doco.
DamonGameau #FutureCouncil #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLaren
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
45min
August 04, 2025Heather Mitchell: A Portrait of Quiet Courage
In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with acclaimed Australian actor, author and 'Toast' artist (yes vegemite and toast...) Heather Mitchell to talk about strength, stagecraft, and stepping into the shoes of one of history’s most formidable women.
Topics discussed:
1.Building a career in Australian film, TV, and theatre
Longevity, leadership, and lifting others as you go
Making space for joy, grief, and everything in between
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Heather
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyheathermitchell
Like, Comment & Subscribe
If you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Heather Mitchell role.
heathermitchell #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLaren
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
53min
July 28, 2025Christine Anu: Between Two Worlds
In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with the trailblazing singer, actor, and cultural icon Christine Anu to talk about the power of representation, the responsibility of platform, and the joy of telling stories through music, stage, and screen.
Christine reflects on a lifetime of breaking ground as a proud Torres Strait Islander woman in the Australian arts industry, the personal meaning behind her most iconic performances, and how she continues to evolve as an artist, activist, and mother. It’s heart, heritage, and a little bit harmony.
Topics discussed:
The legacy of My Island Home and singing for a nation
Juggling fame, family, and cultural responsibility
The power of music to drive change and connect community
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Christine Anu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuchristine/
Like, Comment & Subscribe
If you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Chrsitnie Anu role.
ChristineAnu #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLaren
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
43min
July 23, 2025 BONUS EPISODE: McLaren Vs ABC
I popped into ABC to spill the tea with Mary Gearin about McLaren Versus — turns out I talk as much as my guests!
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
11min
July 21, 2025Eddie Perfect: Broadway. Beetlejuice. Bloody brilliant. | McLaren Versus with Spencer McLaren
In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with the multi-hyphenate performer, composer, and writer to talk about what drives his creativity, the challenges of making work that divides opinion, and the thrill (and chaos) of taking on Broadway with Beetlejuice and King Kong.
Eddie reflects on the highs and heartbreaks of showbiz, the importance of holding your nerve as an artist, and how he balances family life, personal growth, and staying creatively fed. It’s a little bit rock and roll.
Topics discussed:
1.The bold leap from Aussie TV to Broadway musicals
What it really takes to build a life in the arts
Writing Beetlejuice: pressure, praise, and persistence
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Eddie Perfect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundperfect/
Like, Comment & Subscribe
If you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Eddie Perfect role.
EddiePerfect #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLaren
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
50min
July 20, 2025 Trailer | McLaren Versus with Spencer McLaren
McLaren Versus is your ‘Access All Areas’ pass to meet the people behind the stories through candid conversations with household names that reveal life lessons, triumphs, and challenges, showcasing the humanity behind public personas. It’s a new Australian podcast that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the stories that define a life well-lived.
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
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2min
July 18, 2025 BONUS EPISODE: McLaren on Mistakes
In this special bonus drop, Spencer takes a moment to reflect on one of the most revealing questions from McLaren Versus: "Do you have any mistakes you regret?"
Across the season, guests have offered personal and surprising answers but with a consistent theme. Now, Spencer shares his own perspective—on regret, growth, and why our mistakes might be the most valuable part of the journey.
Short, sweet, and honest—this 6-minute episode is a quiet pause in the noise.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
7min
July 14, 2025Murray Bartlett: Fame, Freedom & Finding Home | McLaren Versus
From Perth to Primetime, Murray Bartlett has carved a career defined by quiet intensity, emotional depth, and unflinching honesty. In this deeply engaging conversation, Spencer sits down with the Emmy-winning actor behind The White Lotus, Looking, and The Last of Us to unpack the journey behind the performances.
Murray shares the realities of life as a working actor before the big break, how he navigated identity in the public eye, and what it means to find success—and peace—later in life. It’s a conversation about craft, queerness, and carving your own path in an industry that often resists change.
In this episode:
From Sydney to New York—Murray’s long road to recognition
Behind The White Lotus and the role that changed everything
Queer storytelling and why it still matters
How home keeps him balanced
Links & Mentions:
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Murray Bartlett
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murray.bartlett/
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
46min
July 08, 2025Pia Miranda: The Girl Who Grew Into Herself
In this heartfelt episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with the unforgettable Pia Miranda—an actress who became a national treasure after portraying Josie in the landmark Australian film Looking for Alibrandi.
Now, decades on, Pia reflects on the career-defining role that launched her, the challenges of navigating fame at a young age, and how she’s embraced reinvention through motherhood, reality TV (yes, she won Survivor), and continued creative growth.
Spencer and Pia talk about identity, resilience, and the deeply personal moments that have shaped her as both an artist and a woman.
In this episode:
The enduring impact of Looking for Alibrandi
What fame felt like as a young woman in the spotlight
Get thee to a nunnery... or not!
Surviving SURVIVOR
Unemployment and creative reinvention in the arts
Links & Mentions:
Follow Us
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Pia Miranda
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_piamiranda/
Like, Comment & Subscribe
If you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Piua Miranda role
EddiePerfect #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLaren
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
42min

FAQs about McLaren versus:

How many episodes does McLaren versus have?

The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.