Send a text

In this episode, I sit down at the Watson’s Bay Hotel in Sydney to chat with the multi-talented Marney McQueen—actress, comedian, musical performer, marriage celebrant, DJ and publican—whose journey is as colourful as her career. Our story begins with a meeting at a celebrant conference in Coogee in 2019, followed by spontaneous adventures from Wyong to Broome. Over the years, Marney’s generosity and vibrant spirit have left a lasting impression, and in this episode, she joins me to share her remarkable story.

From Stage to Pub:
We explore Marney’s unique journey from starring in the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert to buying and transforming a pub. She shares how life sometimes imitates art, and what inspired her to take on this new role as a publican, blending her love for entertainment with hospitality.

Community Impact and Charity:
Marney’s pub isn’t just a venue for music and shows—it’s a hub for giving back. She discusses her passion for charity work, having raised over $250,000 for Central Coast charities through events at her pub. We talk about the profound impact these efforts have had on the local community and how her commitment to making a difference has grown over the years.

A Life on Stage:
With a career spanning standout roles in musicals like Hairspray and memorable characters such as Rosa Waxoffski and Karen the Border Security Agent, Marney’s versatility shines. She also shares stories from her two decades of mentorship under the late, great Barry Humphries, being friends with Michael Caton and Jacki Weaver and how she has learnt that its important to keep chasing your big dreams.

Balancing Big Roles and Real Life:
We chat about Marney’s recent starring role as Celine Dion in the musical Titanique, which ran for nearly a year at the Grand Electric in Sydney. Marney reflects on the challenges and triumphs of juggling a demanding stage role, running a pub, and being a mum—all at once. We also talk about her other role as a marriage celebrant and being cautious with taking on too many weddings so she isn’t letting any couples down.

Red Carpet Moments:
Marney shares her experience attending the ARIA Awards, offering a glimpse into what it’s like to be part of Australia’s biggest music night and seeing Olivia Dean perform.

What’s Next:
We look ahead to Marney’s upcoming projects, including her appearance at the Perth Festival, and ask what new roles or adventures might be on the horizon.
If you enjoyed this episode, PLEASE share it with friends who love stories of generosity, creativity, and community spirit. Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content!

@marneymcqueen

@titaniquemusicalau

@royalhotelwyong

@fashioncritical

@emrusciano

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send a text

The episode opens with a warm welcome to Lauren, where we reflect on her reputation for authenticity and skill as a celebrant, and what its like working alongside her professional wedding photographer husband, Rhys.

Path to Becoming a Celebrant
●The conversation explores Lauren’s motivation for becoming a celebrant, revealing personal insights and the influence of her partnership with Rhys, a professional wedding photographer. The dynamic of working together as a duo is discussed, including whether couples tend to book both of them.

Branding & Online Presence
●Lauren’s website and branding are highlighted, with discussion about the intentionality behind her aesthetic choices and how these have evolved with her reputation in the industry.

International Adventures
●We further dive into Lauren and Rhys’s tradition of spending European summers marrying couples, exploring how this idea originated and how they balance international work with life at home in NSW.

Lauren’s Own Wedding
●I ask Lauren about her own dream wedding, and discuss the planning involved in creating such a memorable day.

Industry Trends
●The conversation shifts to the impact of cost of living on couples’ budgets, and whether Lauren’s reputation attracts clients who are less price sensitive.
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, and share it with friends who might find it inspiring. Don’t forget to follow Lauren on Instagram to see highlights from her own wedding and more behind-the-scenes stories.

@hungryhearts_co

@yourdaybychloe (Chloe: Wedding Planner)

@morelifefilms (Chelsea: Photographer)

@bylucy.weddings (Lucy: Content Creator)

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

Ever wondered what it takes to be an Avian and Exotic pet Veterinarian, plus pet content creator plus have time to prioritise health?

In this episode, I chat with Dr Liv, a dedicated vet, content creator for Pet Circle, and proud rabbit/cat mum. We explore how Dr Liv balances a busy professional life with personal passions, fitness, and animal care.

Journey into Veterinary Medicine

• Dr Liv shares her path into veterinary medicine, what inspired her to specialise in exotic pets and small animals, and her experiences studying in WA before moving to Sydney.

Working with Exotic Pets

• Discussion on the unique challenges and rewards of caring for exotic pets compared to traditional companion animals.

Bondi Vets Experience

• Reflections on pivotal moments from Dr Liv’s two years on Bondi Vets, and how these experiences influenced her approach to veterinary care.

Content Creation for Pet Circle

• How Dr Liv became a content creator for Pet Circle, one of Australia’s largest online pet supply companies.

Trends in Pet Ownership

• Emerging trends in pet ownership, especially regarding exotic animals, and advice for those considering adopting an exotic pet.

End-of-Life Care for Pets

• The importance of high-quality end-of-life care and palliative support for senior pets, and what motivated Dr Liv to pursue the VetPrac End of Life Course.

Health and Wellbeing

• Dr Liv’s daily non-negotiables for maintaining health and wellbeing amidst a busy schedule.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow animal lovers.

@officiallyemmayoung
@droliviaclarke
@petcircle
@bondi_vet

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

In this episode, Flossy Morrison, or Floss as most people know her, sits with me in her living room in Perth to chat all things fridge rosters, meal prep and what it takes to be a bodybuilder. She is a mum of 4 and has competed in a few bodybuilding comps in Perth. I actually married Floss in Broome 4 years ago to her handsome husband John and I have been following her on her socials over the past few years witnessing her incredible body transformations.  I reached out to Floss, because besides being in awe of her ability to train and compete as a bodybuilder, I wanted to know how she manages this level of discipline with 4 kids and a husband!

Highlights from the episode:

• Floss’s Story: Discover how Floss goes into detail into how she started off competitive bodybuilding and what is involved in being strict with diet and exercise.
• The Power of Discipline and Fridge rosters: We discuss the importance of being prepared with meal prep for the week ahead and how she gets her kids to be involved in this.
• Newly formed PT business : Floss discusses how the idea came about for her to study to become a PT trainer. The idea came from friends and other bodybuilder competitors asking how she could have 3 kids, compete in a show, become pregnant again, have her 4th child and do it all again!
• Baking business: Floss and I touch on how she has a small bakery business providing sweet treats for uni, events and shows and how she absolutely adores food.
• Transformative Impact: We dive into how fitness has helped her not only with mindset and health but also with setting a good example for her kids.

Whether you’re curious about what it takes to train and become a competitive bodybuilder, looking for a confidence boost, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of how a mum of 4 manages her sanity as well as being a loving and caring wife to her husband, this episode is for you.

@officiallyemmayoung
@24flossy

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

Have you ever dreamt of changing careers and just going and diving right in on a gut feeling?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend I’ve known for 20 years, Emma Krause. She is better known as Sue Finlay, the lady from the Oz Lotto ads, was a semi-finalist in Australia’s got talent and decided to become a comedian at 40!

In this episode we cover:

• We discuss how she decided to become a comedian at age 40 and to sidestep away from full time teaching.
• I ask Emma how she felt becoming a semi finalist on Australia’s Got Talent and what that experience was like for her.
• Emma explains how she managed to land the job of being Sue Finlay (the character she plays on the Oz Lotto ads) and what that’s like being recognised as her.
• I also ask Emma what its like being a mum to twin girls who are 16 and how she manages to juggle life.
• We discuss her nation-wide comedy tour and how she learnt how to do pretty much all the bookings, marketing and promotion of the show herself.
• I ask her what the plans are for her next up and coming show, Spank in the City and what else she has in store for 2026.

DM me at @officiallyemmayoung if you found joy or simply got a chuckle out of the antics of Emma’s story.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• @emmakrausecomedy
• www.emmakrause.com.au/events

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

How does she juggle being a full time celebrant, voice over artist and Mum and still manage to stay sane! I want to know!

Today’s episode features the very talented Candice Bydder. Former entertainment journalist, full time award winning celebrant, voice over artist, wife and mother of two. 

Candice sits with me and we discuss how she manages to juggle it all! Her work load is no joke but she seems to have it covered and is able to manage without getting burnt out.

In this episode we cover:

• Candice explains how she went from being an entertainment journalist to full time celebrant as well as being a voice over artist. 
• The moment after she was made redundant where she made the decision to become self employed and start her own business and become self employed.
• We discuss how she “stays in her lane” and doesn't follow trends when it comes to being a successful celebrant.
• Candice opens up about feeling lost with her identity when she got married and had children and how she navigated that period in her life. 
• We talk about volunteering, not meeting your idols and living each day giving in the world rather than getting. 

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Celebrations By Candice
• Kiss me you Fool Celebrant - Dilhari

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

Welcome to 2026! A new year, a new you or maybe even a new purpose?

 In this solo episode, I discuss what my plans are for 2026 and what I’m wanting to work on for the first half of the year.

In this episode we cover:

• I discuss reflecting back on the past few years and setting out to achieve my goals.
• Starting my training qualifications and Celebrant course and how once I set my mind to something, I get shit done.
• I explain how starting the podcast has been different and that it's taken me 12 months of planning and prep with the guidance of Laura from Podcast support services.
• I ask the questions to you…what does 2026 look like for you. Is it time to reflect and try to be a newer, more improved version of yourself or do you have a new purpose this year?

DM me at @officiallyemmayoung with what your 2026 plans are. I am genuinely interested in what you want to achieve or have plans for this year.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Laura from @podcast.support.services

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

Ever wondered what it means by Making a Shift? In life, in personal identity, and in friendships.

In this solo episode, I discuss what it means to make a shift, a term I learnt this year from my Nana. I also go into detail about making sure you don’t take on too much during the festive season and try to remember what it's all really about.

In this episode we cover:

• What does it means to Make a shift?
• I discuss the conversations I have had this year in my Nana’s last year of life and the lessons she encouraged me to reflect on by making a shift in life.
• I explain how this year has been another reflective and positive one where I have taken the time to sit and look back on all things I have set out to achieve.
• I justify the importance of women being mindful of taking on too much during the festive season and ensuring they take time out for themselves.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what things a Gen Z woman thinks are the challenges they face compared to a millennial or Gen X women?

In this episode, Damar and I discuss all the juicy things, from training Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai, to being an only child, to what it’s like to have a partner who is 18 years older. Damar is my first Gen Z guest and we dive into several topics, some that I hadn’t even planned on asking but the conversation naturally went there. We discuss how she is a part time content creator, recently completed in her first jiu jitsu comp taking away a silver medal and what her thoughts are on what challenges Gen Z women face today compared with millennial or Gen x women.

 If her story resonates with you, make sure you add a comment of DM me on Insta @officiallyemmayoung 

 In this episode we cover:

• Damar describes what it was like growing up as an only child with an Indonesian Mum and Australian Dad who had a 15 year age gap between them and how her childhood shaped her as the woman she is today.
• She talks about discovering Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai training and meeting her partner Adam.
• We discuss her opinions on what its like to be a Gen Z woman and how she thinks social media has had both a positive and negative effect on women from different generations.
• We discuss her love of singing and how she auditioned for a role in the stage show of Bran Nue Dae. We also touch on her singing in a local band.
• Damar opens up about Adam, who became her partner after being best friends for 3 years. She goes into detail about how after being on the Implanon for several years, she decided to go off it. It was then like a lightbulb went off and she saw Adam in a completely new way! 😉
• We also discuss how their 18-year age gap has been an issue for her Mum and how it has affected their mother/daughter relationship.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• @damarkentjana_
• @wearedesertrose_
• @Broomebjj

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant

Send us a text

Ever met someone that can only be described as the human equivalent of sunshine?

Ash Williamson is THAT woman!

 In this episode I sit down with the ambitious Ash Williamson and discuss what it was like starting a business at 25, to then sell it 7 years later still in its peak to then go on and enjoy the year of yes! What’s this you ask? Ash decided that she would yes to all those things she had wanted to learn or do but hadn’t had the time whilst she was running her business. From perfecting the art of baking sour dough, to finishing a manuscript for her first book, to learning the guitar.

 We also dive into the topic of Ash being open about not wanting kids and not feeling the need to explain herself every time a stranger asks, why not? Ash also gives her explanation on the importance of rest and what that actually looks like for her.

 If her story resonates with you, make sure you add a comment of DM me on Insta @officiallyemmayoung

 In this episode we cover:

• Ash describes how she created a successful events hire business at age 25 and how that helped shape the woman she is today.
• She talks about after selling her business, she found she had weekends again and more time for her to explore hobbies and interests, making this what she calls, The year of yes!
• We discuss her opinions on the importance of REAL rest, not just doom scrolling for hours at a time, but real rest, the one where you put your phone down, say no to socialising with friends and simply be present in life.
• Ash opens up about not wanting kids and how she is more than happy to discuss this. She explains she has gotten better at not feeling the need to explain her reasons why to every stranger that asks comes at her with a judgemental opinion.
• We also discuss her ambitions to be a fictional author and her trip to Hobart this year to pitch her manuscript to publishers.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant