An in-depth conversation with Kiwi-born, Australian-based pianist Jan Preston. We talk through her recent double wrist-break injury and then back to her classical training and her time spent with Red Mole and Coup d'Etat ahead of reinventing herself as film soundtrack composer (often collaborating with her sister Gaylene) and to the stride and boogie woogie styles that have captivated her as a solo pianist across the last two decades.

An in-depth conversation with drummer, Heavy Metal fan, tour promoter, swim-coach, horror-movie obsessive and the driving force behind the band Bulletbelt, Steve Francis. We talk about his childhood in Masterton his addictions to metal, horror films and tattoos - and his time spent in and around the Wellington heavy metal scene. We talk about Bulletbelt's song for the movie "Deathgasm" and his hopes and ambitions for music.

An in-depth conversation with violinist Miles Golding. A classically trained chamber musician, Golding, born in Australia, lived in New Zealand during his childhood and was an original member of Split Ends/Enz - he left the group in 1973 (before they'd recorded a full album) and moved to England to continue his classical studies. We talk through his memories of the early Enz and his musical upbringing, his classical music pursuits and his reconnecting with both Tim Finn (playing on 2008's "The Conversation") and Phil Judd (recording on Judd's recent works).

An in-depth conversation with writer (and friend) Carl Shuker. We talk about the long road to his new book, A Mistake. We go back to his childhood in Timaru and work from there to the IIML in Wellington when Bill Manhire was at the helm. To Carl meeting Katy (now my wife) and Anna Smaill (his wife). To the influences that shaped him and the insecurities that can still plague. This is a long chat - over many drinks - discussing our friendship, parenting, writing and many shared experiences as well as Carl's journey from Timaru to being one of New Zealand's greatest living novelists.

An in-depth conversation with actor Sophie Hambleton. We talk about her role as "Carol" on popular TV show, Westside. Her training and work - to this day - in theatre. We preview the upcoming "Burn Her" theatre work at Circa and discuss here recent turn as Nora in an updated rendition of Ibsen's classic, "A Doll's House". We talk, too, of what it was like growing up with her actor dad, Peter Hambleton (The Hobbit).

An in-depth conversation with Beastwars' lead singer Matt Hyde. We talk through his early life and careers including his stints in hospitality and music; he was all but ready to chuck the towel in (again) when he found himself fronting the Wellington-based metal/rock band Beastwars. They released three great albums and then broke-up. Matt was diagnosed with cancer. He responded well to the treatment and the band gathered to record new songs, to be together. Now, a year on that album has been readied for release. We talk about all of this and more.

An in-depth conversation with comedian and podcast host and producer Tim Batt. We talk through his journey into comedy and focus on "The Worst Idea Of All Time" - a podcast by Tim and Guy Montgomery that sees them reviewing the same film every week for a whole year. We talk about the seasons to date and the lack of an exit plan from that podcast. We chat all things comedy including criticism and reviews and the uneasy nature and obvious tension between reviewers and comics.

An in-depth conversation with Split Enz keyboardist, songwriter and arranger Eddie Rayner. We talk through his life and times including stints with Space Waltz and Crowded House. We talk through the career of Split Enz and to ENZSO, solo albums, recording with Paul McCartney and the many other highlights in Rayner's long musical career.

An in-depth conversation with Wellington-based, Auckland and Far North-raised poet Sugar Magnolia Wilson. We talk about - and she reads from - her book, "Because a Woman's Heart is Like a Needle at the Bottom of the Ocean" and we talk about poetry in general and have a big discussion also about critics and criticism. We talk too about her life and upbringing and all of the elements that go into poetry; hers and the poetry of others.

An in-depth conversation with American session drummer Gregg Bissonette. We talk through his incredible career and how through his timing, talent, luck - and faith - he has played with many of his heroes. He went from being a Maynard Ferguson fan to playing in his band, from wishing he could join Van Halen to playing with David Lee Roth and he's currently the touring drummer for Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band. It seems like manifest destiny with the young Bissonette taken to see The Beatles at Shea Stadium as an eager drum-devotee. We talk about his time doing sessions with Joe Satriani and subbing for Toto. And his current NZ tour with Rodger Fox's Jazz Gala.