Geoff McQueen was shattered when he learned the 2020 London Marathon was postponed due to coronavirus. 

After months of training, and a looming deadline to run a marathon before he turns 50, he decided a pandemic wouldn't stop his goal.

So this Sunday - on the date the London Marathon should have taken place - Geoff will run a marathon (42km) in his backyard.

Guest: Geoff McQueen
Listen to Geoff’s podcast Heavy Breathing: https://podfollow.com/1491012023 
Details for the live stream via the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/688884255197442/?notif_t=plan_edited¬if_id=1587478462506459
Donate: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/thegeoffmcq 

Music: Mike/ https://www.sessions.blue/
Mike’s website: www.mikewilliams.com.au/podcast  

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Could virtual reality be the answer surviving isolation?

Creative technologist, Warren Armstrong, doesn’t want to speculate but I ask him to anyway.

After I pretend to know the difference between virtual and augmented reality, Warren makes the case for ‘fully automated gay-space communes’.

Because, as he says, “the world is changing, or maybe it's not changing. We've got no idea".

Guest: Warren Armstrong
Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions
Mike’s website: https://mikewilliams.com.au/podcast 

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Lia Tsamoglou bought a mask to protect her unborn baby from thick bushfire smoke that engulfed Sydney throughout our horrific summer.

Now, she’s using the same mask at the supermarket to protect against Covid-19. 

It’s been a tumultuous nine months outside of the womb. 

In the final days before the birth of her second child, Lia reflects on this period and the unknowns that wait.

Guest: Lia Tsamoglou
Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions
Mike’s website: www.mikewilliams.com.au 

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Joe Jackson doesn’t regret the ridiculous look he rocked in high school.

The sideways baseball cap and over-sized Kanye glasses don’t bother him.

But Year 12 does. Specifically, the end of school exams, and the way we were taught to 'learn-by-memorising'.

While reflecting on his commitment to vegetarianism, he remembers the time he humiliated a bully in front of the whole school. Fourteen years later he’s almost ready to forgive, himself.

Guest: Joe Jackson
Vejoes food truck: https://www.vejoes.com.au/ 
Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions
Mike’s website: www.mikewilliams.com.au 

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Colette Kinsella is a radio documentary maker based in Dublin Zoo.

She literally lives in Dublin Zoo.

I found out how she fell for radio, her passion for animals and one of the all-time greatest love stories.

It’s a lot of love. But it’s not surprising, considering I love Ireland, I love Irish people and I loved this catch up with Colette.

Guest: Colette Kinsella

Check out Colette’s podcast The Critter Shed

Hear more of Colette’s work over at Red Hare Media

Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions

Mike’s website: https://mikewilliams.com.au/

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Newtown Performing Arts high school was a melting pot of extraverted dancers, actors and musicians.

But even amongst a school full of characters, Eric Avery stood out. 

He now works as a professional artist. I found out about that, as well as a new relationship that’s lead him to Darwin, and his experience as a gay, Indigenous man.

Credits
Guest: Eric Avery
Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions/Eric performing ‘Trees’ at Sanctuary Studios
Website: https://www.mikewilliams.com.au/ 

 

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When she’s not competing in triathlons (or posting photos about competing in triathlons) Ellen Leabeater is a producer for The Guardian’s daily podcast, Full Story.

Today we’re getting the full story on Ellen’s love life. Specifically, the challenges she faces as she tries to navigate Sydney’s dating scene as the city goes into lockdown.

After a romantic first date on the harbour, Ellen is forced to consider if this will be her ‘final first date’. Also, her dog graduates from university, which can only be described as another punch in the guts to our tertiary education system’s credibility.

Credits
Guest: Ellen Leabeater, check out The Guardian's Full Story podcast
Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions

Website: https://mikewilliams.com.au/podcast

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Lewis McKirdy changed the way Australian youth radio presenters think about talking on the radio.

His unique style, instantly recognisable voice and unflappable temperament allowed him to cut through the airwaves.

In 2016 he decided to take a break from radio and move to London. He’s mixed it up career-wise since then, spreading his wings. But he’s still the same loveable larrikin.

I asked him to reflect on those triple j days, but we also discuss the best-tasting fruit and his job driving an animal ambulance.

Credits:
Guest: Lewis McKirdy, check out his podcast Animal Ambulance
Music: Mike/Blue Dot Sessions

Website: https://www.mikewilliams.com.au/

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I’m pretty sure Tristan Dabbs use to have a velcro wallet with a chain on it. He’s also the first person I know to own an MP3 player – before the iPod. 

We sat next to each other in Year 8 homeroom at St Pats, Dundas, in Sydney’s north-west. Coincidentally, St Pats was one of the first schools in Sydney to have a Covid-19 case.

A good 15 years later, it’s time to catch up. You’ll hear the story of why he asked a friend to borrow $2000. And also, the accident that turned his career inside out.

Credits:
Guest: Tristan Dabbs
Music: Blue Dot Sessions, Stonefree
Website: www.mikewilliams.com.au

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As well as camping and playing with a pocket knife, during scouts I met a bunch of interesting people. 

My first memory of James Munro was when we were 12 years old. Another kid said something about his mum and James went over and punched him.

The Munro's are a tight unit. Ruth is the quintessential Australian Mum. Pete is the reserved Dad whose beers we stole. There’s James, who now lives in Germany, and his little sister, Rachel. She just got married.

We reminisce about home phones, reflect on dusty wedding venues and you'll find out why Mrs Munro 'won't be going anywhere'.

Credits:
Guest: Mrs. Munro
Music: Blue Dot Sessions, Stonefree
Website: www.mikewilliams.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.