The Booth Juice Creative Podcast

What does wellness really mean, and is there more to it than we think?

In this episode of The Booth Juice, we sit down with Mechel Pearson, a Cairns-born massage therapist specialising in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, whose journey has taken her around the world exploring different cultures, healing practices and approaches to wellbeing.

From her adventures overseas to finding her passion for holistic healing, Mechel shares her story, challenges some common misconceptions about wellness and gives us a fresh perspective on what it means to truly look after ourselves.

We also dive into the upcoming Port Douglas Wellness Festival, happening October 30–31! As the organiser of this exciting new event, Mechel gives us the inside scoop on what to expect, who's involved and why this festival is something you won't want to miss.

Get ready for a conversation full of stories, self-discovery and a little inspiration to slow down!

Wellness Festival Port Douglas - FREE EVENT

@wellness.festival.pd

Friday 30th October: Twilight Market & Modality Testers at Port Douglas Sugar Wharf 

Saturday 31st October: Wellness Expo & Activity Day at Port Douglas Community Hall

The episode you've all been asking for is here! The tables are turned when we sit down with your usual host & owner of Maker Port Douglas, Raine Schacher.

We chat about Raine’s life before Maker and her early path into the film industry. From starting a photography business at just 14 to working on film sets from a young age, it seemed she was always destined to work in film and storytelling. But in 2020, everything changed.

Then we get into the six years of Maker, including the highs, the lows, the unexpected moments, meeting celebrities without even realising who they were, and some of the stories that have stayed firmly behind the scenes.

You’ve heard Raine ask the questions. Now it’s time to hear her side of the story.

And yes, there’s plenty of juice.

@raine_ward_  @maker_portdouglas 

In Episode 5 of The Booth Juice, we sit down with incredible artist, curator and one of the pivotal figures in the Port Douglas art community, Chrissie McLaughlin. A Port Douglas local since the 1990s, Chrissie has spent decades immersed in the creative landscape of Far North Queensland, drawing inspiration from the incredible natural environment of Port Douglas and the Daintree.

Working across watercolour, natural pigments, acrylic and oil, Chrissie’s artwork reflects a deep connection to place and the ever-changing beauty of the tropics. Her work has been exhibited extensively, commissioned for private collections and resorts, and collected both nationally and internationally.

Beyond her own practice, Chrissie has played a significant role in championing other artists across the region. She is the Director of Art In Transit, an online gallery representing leading FNQ artists, and the Secretary of Port Douglas Artists Inc, where she helps curate and present exhibitions throughout the Douglas Shire.

Chrissie also shares some fascinating tales from her time working in the film industry, from prop design to producing, offering a glimpse into another colourful chapter of her creative career.

A conversation full of art, creativity, local history and plenty of stories from a life well lived in Far North Queensland.

---

Chrissie Mclaughlin Art 

@chrissiemclaughlinart

Northern Illumination 1-10th October 2026, Port Douglas Community Hall

Port Douglas Artists

Art In Transit

From dreaming of becoming a pianist to becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after harpists, Loni Fitzpatrick’s musical journey took an unexpected turn; all because of a university audition.

With more than 10 years of experience and a classical foundation in harp performance, Loni has built an incredibly diverse career spanning classical, jazz and contemporary music. She’s performed with leading orchestras including the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria, shared stages with artists like Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan and Felix Riebl, and performed at festivals across Australia and internationally.

But these days, Loni calls Far North Queensland home.

Moving to the region in 2020 came with its challenges, but it has since seen her become one of the area’s most in-demand musicians for weddings and events, while developing her own sound as a solo artist through live looping, organic percussion and effects pedals.

In this episode, we chat about the winding road that brought her to the harp, building a creative career outside the big cities, the realities of making a living from music, and why sometimes the path you never planned can turn out to be the one you were meant to take.

https://www.lonifitzpatrick.com/

@lonifitzpartick.harp

Lier with Camerata - Tanks Art Centre 16th October 2026

@alondra.ent

Sip N Sound - 29th August 2026

@stringtheory.sonic

Yoga & Live Music - Tanks Art Centre 26th September 2026

In the Moment Album

From stacking supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland to creating one of Port Douglas' most empowering women's communities, Amy Millen's story is one of courage, resilience and taking chances. While Amy may not call herself a traditional creative, she's built something incredibly meaningful through LiftHer; a space where women feel seen, supported and strong.

In this episode, Amy shares how a six-week holiday to Australia unexpectedly turned into a whole new life in Port Douglas. She opens up about making the leap to stay permanently, meeting the love of her life and building a future she never imagined.

We also dive into how she discovered her passion for health and fitness, the challenges she faced along the way, and what inspired her to create LiftHer; a women-only gym dedicated to helping women feel strong, confident and connected. As an athlete, business owner and coach, Amy shares the mindset that's driven her success, and how creating an inclusive, welcoming community has become her greatest achievement.

Whether you're dreaming of a fresh start, building a business, chasing a fitness goal, or simply need a reminder that creativity can take many forms, Amy's journey proves that sometimes the most impactful thing you can create is a place where people truly belong.

@_coachamy 

@__lifther

This week on Booth Juice, we're joined by the ever-inspiring Lisa Keller; founder of Event Diaries and Keller Diaries, and proof that you don't have to fit into just one box.

From radio and journalism to content creation, wedding content, event storytelling, and travelling the world, Lisa has built a career by saying yes to opportunities and following what excites her. She believes life is meant to be lived through many ventures, and her journey is a reminder that success doesn't have to look traditional.

We chat about how she built multiple brands, the power of personal storytelling, creating content that connects, and why backing yourself can lead to opportunities you never imagined. Lisa also shares her love for travel, her favourite adventures, and why she's become the go-to person for everything Port Douglas; from hidden gems and local hotspots to must-do experiences.

Whether you're dreaming of starting a side hustle, building a personal brand, travelling more, or simply looking for inspiration to embrace every opportunity that comes your way, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs.

@kellerdiaries 

@_eventdiaries

We're kicking off Season 2 with an incredible guest, Sydney-based artist Karina Jambrak.

From starting her career as a graphic designer to becoming one of Australia's most recognisable contemporary artists, Karina has built a global brand that's as inspiring as it is beautiful. With a community of more than 113,000 followers and her artwork stocked in homes, galleries and retailers around the world, she's turned creativity into a thriving international business.

In this episode, Karina shares the story behind her journey, what it really took to make the leap from design to full-time artist and the realities of building a successful creative career. We chat about finding your signature style, growing a loyal online community, navigating the business side of art, balancing creativity with entrepreneurship and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, creative, or someone chasing a big dream, this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration.

@karina_jambrak

@palmaloma_

@houseofsolara_

Grab the tissues of this one! 

We're saying goodbye to someone who has been such a huge part of the Maker journey; our incredible team member, Mykaylah. After three amazing years, we reflect on the memories, laughs, milestones and the impact she's had on our business, our team and our community. 

We also take a look back at everything that made Season 1 so special. From inspiring local stories and unforgettable guests to behind-the-scenes moments and plenty of laughs, we're celebrating how far Booth Juice has come.

But this isn't goodbye for long... Season Two is just around the corner! We'll be kicking things off in style with The Booth Juice Launch Party on Sunday 26th July, celebrating the start of a brand new season and Maker's 6th birthday.

Thank you for listening, supporting and being part of this journey. We can't wait to bring you even more conversations, stories and surprises in Season Two.

🍸 Want to join us at the Booth Juice Launch Party? Head to our Instagram to enter our giveaway for your chance to win tickets!

🌊 If you'd like to join us at one of the upcoming Cowgirl Surf Club Cape Tribulation retreats, head to the link below to secure your ticket.

https://cowgirlsurfclub.co/pages/events

🎨 And finally, our much-loved workshops will be back at Maker this September—we can't wait to get creating with you again!

https://www.makerportdouglas.com/make-paint-and-pour

To wrap up Season 1, we sit down with Alex and Jade Forbes, the husband-and-wife team behind Pulse Nutrition in Port Douglas, to uncover the story behind one of Far North Queensland's fastest-growing supplement brands.

What started as a mission to create honest, effective sports nutrition has evolved into a business built on transparency, quality and community. Alex and Jade share the journey of building Pulse Nutrition from the ground up; from experimenting with formulations in their own kitchen to launching products that are trusted by athletes and everyday Australians alike.

We dive into the realities of running a business as a couple, the challenges of bringing a product to market, and why they chose to challenge industry norms by creating supplements with fully transparent ingredients and performance-focused dosages.

Beyond the business, this conversation explores resilience, entrepreneurship, balancing family life, and what it really takes to build a brand with purpose. Whether you're interested in health and fitness, business, or simply love hearing the stories behind passionate local entrepreneurs, this episode offers an inspiring look at what can happen when you back your vision and refuse to compromise on quality.

@pulsenutritionau

pulsenutritionau.com

@downtheisle_

www.downtheisle.com.au

In Episode 21, we sit down with Amy and Abel, the couple behind the newly launched Dust n Tide; a brand and YouTube channel capturing the best of Far North Queensland life through fishing, camping, boating and 4WD adventures.

Growing up in FNQ, Amy and Abel developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the laid-back lifestyle the region is known for. We chat about their individual careers, from Amy's work as a hairdresser to Abel's role in marine vessel management and how a shared passion for adventure, storytelling and the outdoors inspired them to create Dust n Tide.

We chat about taking the leap into content creation, the realities of starting a brand from scratch, and their vision for where Dust n Tide is headed. With exciting adventures already underway and merchandise on the horizon, this is just the beginning of their journey.

Whether you're into fishing, camping, exploring the great outdoors or simply love hearing from passionate people chasing a dream, this episode is packed with laughs, local stories and a glimpse into the future of one of FNQ's newest adventure brands.

@dustn_tide 

YT: Dustn Tide