The Blank Canvas Podcast

Next up in our Best Of series: Entrepreneurs!

It's often said, people are either creatives or they're businessmen. But you know, to be a successful businessman, you've got to be pretty creative! These guests we've selected have that in spades!

LINDSAY FOX - Episode 036

From one man and a truck to a sophisticated multinational operation with more than 36,000 employees around the world, Lindsay Fox isn’t your average truckie, nor is he your average billionaire. Lindsay offers plenty of old-school pragmatic advice and his story offers plenty of hope for those who struggle at school: "I was lucky I was an academic failure”.

COLLETTE DINNIGAN - Episode 047

A creative force of nature with the business acumen to back it up. The clothes and imagery around Collette’s iconic brand exude an effortless glamour, but it took plenty of grit to build the brand.

MAURICE TERZINI - Episode 024

Revered restauranteur and entrepreneur. Maurice seems to thrive on dreaming up impossible visions in the field of hospitality and single-mindedly working until they are manifest.

ANNE MCKEVITT - Episode 003

Serial entrepreneur, global powerhouse business advisor and philanthropist, Anne shares her incredible story with candour, including the remarkable turn of events that led her to relocate from the UK to Australia.

REMO GUIFFRE - Episode 026

Entrepreneur. Retail merchant. Brand builder. Creative Strategist. That’s how the CV reads, but I reckon Remo is a creative spirit with a romantic heart. He’s always pushing for the smartest way into the future but he wants to take everyone with him!

SIMON P LOCK - Episode 033

The visionary entrepreneur who helped put Australian fashion on the map when he founded Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.

Ahead of the curve once again, Simon’s online platform Ordre, has helped facilitate the management of luxury wholesale networks globally through the presentation of designers seasonal collections via virtual showrooms.

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald/RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

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We’re back after an extended hiatus!
First up some highlights from some of the stellar previous guests…EP 51 - those tenacious souls who have blazed a trail in the music business.

GLENN WHEATLEY - Episode 012
The unexpected death of Glenn in Feb 2022, brought an outpouring appreciation for this true one of kind. 1970’s rock star with The Masters Apprentices, founded the first FM radio station in Australia, Glenn then moved across to artist management and worked with likes of Bowie, Little River Band and John Farnham, famously mortgaging his house to pay for Farnham’s ‘Whispering Jack’ album, to this day it’s the biggest selling Australian album in history. 

KATE CEBERANO - Episode 002
The voice of a generation in Australia. A deeply personal insight into this unique artist, recorded during a strict Melbourne lockdown, discussing in detail the aptly titled The Dangerous Age album, which came out just before Covid became a thing.

COLIN HAY - Episode 015
The legendary songwriter and front man from Grammy winning 80’s band Men At Work. This chat offers a phenomenal look into the challenges that come with great success and how Colin went back to basics and reinvented himself as a solo artist. 

JIMMY & JANE BARNES - Episode 044
Jimmy is the beating heart of Australian rock’n roll. 20 Number 1 albums and 10,000 plus blistering live performances. This chat delivers plenty laughs and insights into the yin and yang that make these two legends tick.

MARK ISHAM - Episode 036
Musician, electronic music pioneer and revered film and TV composer. Mark delivers some great insights as to how he approaches his craft, in particular his technique for addressing writers block.

SEAN SENNETT - Episode 041
Sean Sennett is a musician, singer, songwriter and one of the leading music writers in the biz.  His story about bumping into the Bruce Springsteen on the street on a rainy Brisbane afternoon is a cracker.

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald @ RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 50 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Barton Lynch.

Barton Lynch is one right out of the box. A whole lot more than a World Champion surfer. Both a soul surfer and astute competitor. A rebel with a cause. A big mouth with the smarts to back it up. A leader. A big wave surfer and a big hearted humanitarian.

Winner of 17 major surf championships and winner of the 1988 World title in big barrels at Pipeline on the Oahu’s North Shore.

Barton helped blaze the trail of professional surfing and fought for surfers to have a rightful voice in their sport. His Accolades include, Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, Australian Sporting Hall of Fame, Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame.

He had the honour of commentating at the recent Tokyo Olympics, introducing surfing as an Olympic sport to the world.

Barton loves sharing his passion for the sport and has partnered with Go Pro in 2021 for the BL Blast Off, which goes global in a new online video format.

A leading coach of elite surfers, a champion for disabled sportspeople and his philanthropic work is legendary.

It takes plenty of guts to become a world champion and it takes guts to speak to your mind in this day and age. Oh and he’s still tackling 40 foot waves in Hawaii, just for fun.

BartonLynch.Com

https://blblastoff.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/barton_lynch/

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald/RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 49 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Ant Middleton.

Ant Middleton joined the Army in UK at age 16, eventually achieving the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces; the Marines, 9 Parachute Squadron and Special Boat Service and seeing plenty of action with three tours of Afghanistan. 

As with many high achievers, whether elite athletes or soldiers, life after the strict discipline and adrenalin charged action can be rather challenging. After leaving the military Ant’s fall from grace was swift and he wound up in prison and hit rock bottom. This lead to a major re-evaluation of his life and Ant set out to build a career and life that his wife Emilie and kids could be proud of.

A decade later and Ant has become a much loved master of survival and endurance in the fields of television, publishing and motivational speaking. 

Five seasons as chief instructor on UK hit TV series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’, now shooting the second season of the hit series SAS AUSTRALIA. A trilogy  of memoirs, First Man In, The Fear Bubble and Zero Negativity - delivering 3 UK Sunday Times Number 1 Bestsellers with more than 1.5 million copies sold.

Other adventures include climbing Everest and making the documentary Extreme Everest, his thrill-seeking road trip through Mexico with Rebel Wilson in his new series Straight Talking and the brutal re-enactment of ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ for the BBC series.

We cover a lot of ground in this intimate conversation, including his forthcoming debut fiction thriller, Cold Justice and Mind Over Muscle, his live speaking tour which has been selling out across the UK, and is now coming to Australian in early 2022 – and much more. 

Mind over Muscle tour: www.tegdainty.com

Books & more: antmiddleton.com

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald/RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

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Episode 48 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Alex Russell

Alex Russell is one of those young actors who’s been quietly, or not so quietly racked up a dozen movie credits; both in Australia and the US.

After starring in the acclaimed indie feature Wasted on the Young, he played the lead role in the US science fiction thriller Chronicle, grossing over $126 million. Then starred in re-make of Brian De Palma’s horror classic, Carrie alongside Julianne Moore & Chloe Grace Moretz, Andrew Niccol’s movie The Host, Cut Snake with director Tony Ayres, a role in Angelina Jolie's Academy Award nominated epic Unbroken, Greg McLean’s film Jungle opposite Daniel Radcliffe, Only The Brave with Josh Brolin, Goldstone, with Jacki Weaver.

In television, Alex is into the 5th season of global hit drama SWAT, starring as the much loved Jim Street.

This is all great but what impressed me most and prompted me to want to have a yak with Alex, is that rather than just cruising along as a successful working actor, he’s pro-actively producing his own projects. His latest micro-budget indie movie UNDER MY SKIN is punching well above it’s weight. Written and Directed by Alex’s regular collaborator Aussie David O’Donnell, and produced by Alex and Raynen O’Keefe.

The story follows Denny, a free spirit and artist who falls for Ryan, a strait-laced lawyer, played by Alex. When Denny questions her gender their love is tested. 

It’s a powerful film and just won the Alternative Spirit Award at the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival and is currently trending on Aussie streaming platform in STAN. 

IMBD https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3887625/

IG https://www.instagram.com/alexrussell/

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald/RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 47 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Collette Dinnigan.

When I think of iconic fashion designers in Australia, one name jumps to mind. Collette Dinnigan.

Collette cut the patterns of her first lingerie collection and sewed the pieces together at home. After knock backs from Australian stores, she went straight to the top, Barney’s NYC. Cindy Crawford was the first customer and before long the international fashion press and buyers were red hot for this new designer from down under.

She became the first Australian fashion designer to mount a full-scale ready-to-wear collection in Paris and has shown within the prestigious Paris Fashion Week schedule, an impressive 33 times.

Collette’s work has appeared in film and television and has been worn by fashion icons worldwide including Madonna, J Lo, Duchess of Cambridge, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock and Beyoncé.

Accolades include Australian Designer of the Year Award, Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World Award, Louis Vuitton Business Award in 97 and in 2017 was awarded the Order of Australia, for her services to fashion.

Over the past decade, Collette has broadened her design work to interior spaces for herself, private clients and hotels, and she has maintained collaborator and ambassador roles with a handful of prestigious brands.

Most recently Collette has jumped out of her comfort zone, with Network 10’s Celebrity Masterchef. This an opportunity for Collette to showcase her passion for cooking and entertaining, and I can tell you, her talent definitely extends to the culinary world!

Articulate and insightful, this long-form conversation offers a rare insight into a genuine creative force of nature.

https://collettedinnigan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/collettedinnigan/

https://www.facebook.com/ColletteDinnigan

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald/RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 46 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Keith Code.

Keith Code is a writer, inventor and coach who has dedicated himself to understanding and teaching the art of riding motorcycles.

Achieving success in California in the 70’s riding for the legendary Yoshimura team, Keith found he had an aptitude for analysing and communicating the techniques required to carry speed through a corner. Under Keith’s instruction, many a racer dramatically reduced their lap times.

Encouraged by this success, Keith began his pioneering one-on-one courses in 1976. Distilling his theories onto paper and creating a numerous practical drills, Keith wrote his first book, Twist of the Wrist, to this day it’s the world's number one instruction manual for the motorcycle rider.

In 1980, Keith established a school to offer his unique training to anyone with a motorcycle license. Four decades later, California Superbike School has become synonymous with sport-bike training, with schools in the USA, UK and Australia.

As of 2021, riders who have been trained either at his schools or by Keith personally have won 65 world and national racing championships. His schools have operated at over 90 tracks worldwide in 15 countries and have trained more than 150,000 riders.

Keith is an old friend and a unique character, our chat covers lots of ground and offers many humorous insights into this trail blazer.

SuperbikeSchool.Com

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald/RUKKUS

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 45 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Tim Olsen.

The first episode to kick off the 2nd year of The Blank Canvas, offers a remarkable insiders view of the art world. Tim Olsen is one of Australia's most respected art identities and successful gallery owners. As the son of Australia’s greatest living painter, John Olsen, Tim has lead a fascinating life. His recent best selling memoir SON OF A BRUSH is a revelation, it sheds extraordinary light on one of our most acclaimed artistic families.

Growing up in the shadow of the great John Olsen came with many challenges, but rather than play the victim, Tim’s smart enough to realise what a privilege it’s been and eventually found his own voice and broad way of contributing to the art world. Through his galleries and other philanthropic work, Tim has nurtured and supported the careers of many of Australia's leading artists.

This is a broad ranging chat and Tim recounts great stories of his time with likes of Brett Whitely and Robert Hughes, the revered author and art critic.

Life can be pretty turbulent and grim at times but when you spend time with someone like Tim, you come away with fresh insights and awareness of art and appreciation as to the gifts that great artists contribute to our culture.

https://www.olsengallery.com/

https://www.sonofthebrush.com/

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald.

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 44 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Jane & Jimmy Barnes.

The Blank Canvas Podcast racks up the one-year milestone this week with not one but two special guests - Jane & Jimmy Barnes.

Jimmy Barnes probably needs no introduction, he is quite simply the heart and the soul of Australian rock n' roll.

Born in Scotland, raised in Adelaide, Australia, Jimmy was 16 when he joined the band Cold Chisel in 1973, quickly becoming the most powerful live act in the heyday of Australian pub rock. He went solo in the 80’s and since that time has been through it all and lived to tell the tales, selling more records in Australia than any other local rock & roll artist and has enjoyed EIGHTEEN #1 albums.

Barnesy has found peace with his demons of late, and we’ve come to know that Jane is Jimmy’s rock, his angel, his guiding light.

Jimmy’s output for 40 years has been prolific to say the least, about the only thing he hasn’t done is write a cookbook. Well, actually he can tick that off too, he and Jane have been cooking up a storm in lockdown and their cookbook ‘Where The River Bends’ is out in November.   

This a candid chat which illustrates the unique, loving and hilarious dynamic at play between these two national treasures.

jimmybarnes.com

Booktopia - Where The River Bends Pre-Order

Dymocks - Rosie the Rhinoceros Pre-Order

https://smarturl.it/JBFleshAndBlood

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald.

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 43 of The Blank Canvas Podcast with Stacy Rukeyser

Stacy Rukeyser is behind current Netflix hit series SEX LIFE, which in its first 10 days was in their “Top 10 List” in 92 countries. A month later and it’s still lighting up social media with likes of the Kim Kardashian tweeting about it just before this chat.

The last year has presented plenty of challenges to make TV drama, but the upside for the likes of Netflix has been huge captive audiences locked in at home and binging on escapist entertainment.

Stacy is the creator, showrunner and executive producer of SEX/LIFE, which was inspired by BB Easton’s book, 44 Chapters About 4 Men.

Prior to this series, Stacy served as the showrunner & EP of the acclaimed series UnREAL, which scored a 2016 Primetime Emmy Award nom for ‘Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series’ and won an AFI Award for ‘TV Program of the Year’. Her previous TV writing credits include the Golden Globe winning WITHOUT A TRACE, CRASH, ONE TREE HILL, OCTOBER ROAD, STANDOFF, GREEK and THE LYING GAME.

Stacy’s an old mate of mine from when I lived in LA 20 years ago, I watched her transition from frustrated actor to aspiring writer. I vividly remember reading her first spec scripts and thinking, yup, she’s the real deal.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0749993/

https://www.instagram.com/littleruke/

https://twitter.com/littleruke 

 

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THE BLANK CANVAS TEAM

Produced by Lee Rogers & Rien MacDonald.

Audio support by Jason Murphy/GASinc

Music by Rodrigo Enrique Bustos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.