Episode 17 is a chaotic little April–May recap; from the Cowgirl Surf Club weekend to the whirlwind of the Brisbane Affordable Art Fair, plus all the highs, stress, last-minute scrambling and funny moments that made the past couple of months feel completely non-stop.

Alongside all the travel and events, the shop has also been packed with creativity, from in-store workshops and brow masterclasses to hat decorating workshops and hens party paint & sip classes. We also chat about the excitement of Port Douglas being ranked the #2 destination in Australia and everything else that’s been happening behind the scenes at Maker lately.

A fun behind-the-scenes catch-up on business, creativity, events, travel and trying to keep up with life while everything happens at once.

Episode 16 welcomes Donna Ward; Maker’s in-house artist and someone whose life has been quietly, consistently shaped by creativity.

From chalkboard bedroom walls in her childhood to the way she now fills canvases with acrylic, Donna’s story is one of letting creativity evolve alongside life. What began as playful expression grew into a love of costumes, hosting, and creating spaces where people feel something - moments that are thoughtful, a little bit magical and always made with care.

That same creative instinct carried into the way she and her family have built their life, from hands-on renovations to slowly shaping their forever home over the past 15 years. For Donna, creativity has never been confined to one medium, it’s in the way she sees potential, brings things to life and makes them her own.

Now, as an artist at Maker, she’s stepped into a new chapter, not only creating her own work but inviting others into the process through her workshops. There’s a quiet confidence in the way she’s arrived here, and a genuine joy in helping others reconnect with their own creativity. With the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane on the horizon, it feels like a natural continuation of a path she’s been on all along.

This conversation is a reflection on a life where creativity isn’t something separate - it’s woven through every season, every risk and every new beginning.

@donnawardcreative 

Brisbane Affordable Art Fair 7-10 May 2026 

Episode 15 is a powerful and  personal conversation with Port Douglas icon, Darren Wall - a man many locals know for his presence in the sporting community, but whose story goes far beyond the field.

In this episode, Darren opens up about his experience with cancer, the unexpected challenges it brought and the impact it has had on his life, including his journey with fertility. At the heart of it all is family; the unwavering support, the perspective it brings and the role it plays in shaping how he navigates life’s toughest moments.

He reflects on the highs of his sporting memories, the lessons learned through adversity and how those moments have shaped the way he chooses to live today.

This is a conversation about resilience, perspective and what it really means to live for the present. Honest, moving, and grounding; Darren’s story is one that stays with you long after the episode ends. 

For Dustin Martin tickets https://www.portdouglasafl.com.au/

Episode 14 is your March recap with Raine and Mykaylah - a catch-up filled with laughs, chaos and everything in between.

From Raine successfully pulling off an April Fools prank on Kaylah, to navigating the wild weather of Cyclone Narelle, this episode captures the moments that made March anything but ordinary. There’s also a very fun throwback to a surprise 2000’s surfer-themed party (think nostalgic outfits and questionable fashion choices), plus a chat about some not-so-temporary tattoos that may or may not have been a good idea.

We also dive into everything that’s been happening in-store lately; the behind-the-scenes, the busy moments, and the little wins that have kept things exciting.

It’s a real, unfiltered recap of life, business, and friendship - exactly how we like it!

Episode 13 is a conversation with Zoe, founder of Zoitza Jewellery in Melbourne -  and our first interstate guest, who kindly took time out of her holiday to chat with us (making this one feel extra special)

We chat about where it all began, from making beaded necklaces with her cousins as a kid to now creating playful, considered pieces across necklaces, bracelets and earrings. That early love for beading laid the foundation for what Zoitza has become today; a brand shaped by colour, individuality and personal expression.

Zoe shares her journey into jewellery design and the evolution of her pieces from concept to creation, with each one carefully made by hand, infused with love and intention. We talk about the beauty of slow, thoughtful craftsmanship, the time and care behind every piece, and what it means to create something tangible in a fast-paced world.

This episode is for anyone drawn to fun, expressive design, slow fashion and the idea that the things we loved as kids can often shape the paths we take.

@_zoitza_

Episode 12 is a conversation with Shania from the Forever Reef Project; a powerful blend of science, conservation and hope for the future of our oceans.

We dive into what the Forever Reef Project is all about, from creating a living coral biobank to protecting and preserving coral biodiversity for generations to come. Shania shares the incredible work happening behind the scenes, what it means to “adopt a coral,” and how this world-first initiative is safeguarding reef species in the face of climate change.

We also chat about Shania’s own journey into marine conservation, the realities of working so closely with the reef, and the small, meaningful ways individuals and businesses can make a tangible impact.

This episode is a reminder that while our oceans face real challenges, there are passionate people doing extraordinary work to protect them; and there’s more hope than you might think.

@foreverreefproject @gbrlegacy

From South Australia to the tropical north, Indi and Bethan share their journey of taking a leap in their 20s to start a small Pilates studio and turning it into something much bigger. Today, Basement Fitness & Pilates is two thriving Pilates studios, a full gym, and a dedicated recovery room, built on a foundation of community, creativity, and doing things differently.

In this episode, we dive into their story: the early challenges of moving interstate, finding their unique approach to fitness and how they’ve built a welcoming, results-driven space for people of all ages and abilities. They also share insights on growing a fitness business, staying motivated, and keeping community at the heart of everything they do.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, Indi and Bethan’s story is full of inspiration, grit and practical takeaways.

@basementtfitness @basementpilatesstudio

App: Basement Pilates

www.basementpilates.com.au

Episode 10 is a conversation with Steph & Dave from SEA Gallery; a story of creativity, evolution and building something truly their own.

From Steph’s early days painting for the markets, hauling two suitcases into town each time, to now sending original works to collectors all over the world, her journey is one of grit, consistency and creative belief. Alongside her, Dave’s path into photography unfolded organically after years in the wine industry, eventually finding his place behind the lens. Together, their individual journeys have intertwined to shape SEA Gallery into what it is today; a seamless blend of painting and photography, and a shared creative vision.

They’re also raising two boys along the way, balancing family life with creativity, and have built a lifestyle centred around capturing the natural world, particularly the magic of Heron and Lady Elliot Island and of course Far North Queensland. 

This episode is about starting small, backing yourself and letting your path unfold in ways you never quite planned. 

@sea.studio.gallery

www.seagallery.com.au

Episode 9 – Saskia Turner | Bodies In Motion Dance School

In this episode we sit down with Saskia Turner, principal of Bodies In Motion Dance School in Mossman. Saskia shares the story of taking over the studio at just 21 and the leap of faith that came with stepping into such a big role so young.

We chat about her own dance journey, how the school has evolved since she took the reins in 2012, and the incredible growth of Bodies In Motion from humble beginnings to the thriving community it is today. Saskia also gives us insight into the world behind the studio doors; from Eisteddfods and ATOD exams to finding the balance between creativity, performance and assessment for her students.

We also talk about the magic of seeing dancers take to big stages, including performances at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and traveling interstate for competitions. 

It’s a conversation about passion, persistence and building something meaningful for the next generation of dancers. 💃✨

@bimdanceschool

https://www.bodiesinmotion.net.au/

Episode 8 welcomes local wedding and funeral celebrant Anna Soltwedel to the podcast. Anna shares the story of how she found her way into celebrancy, and what it truly means to stand beside people during some of the most significant moments of their lives.

From joyful weddings to deeply emotional farewells, Anna talks about the responsibility, empathy and trust involved in guiding families through both celebration and grief. We dive into the personal side of her work, the connections she forms with clients, and the powerful perspective that comes from being part of someone’s final chapter.

It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about life, loss, love and the privilege of helping people mark the moments that matter most.

@wed_by_anna @candlenut_funerals 

www.https://thelovechronicles.com.au/