The Nixon Tapes Podcast

At our October Networking Lunch, we heard from Kate Naess, who, as a teenager, was told by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards: “Whatever you’re doing, don’t stop!”

She’s taken his advice to another level.

Born with a hand difference, Kate represented Australia internationally in equestrian sport before a life-changing personal loss led her to para-triathlon and the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

With a Master’s degree in organisational and industrial psychology, Kate now works at the intersection of elite sport and corporate leadership, helping leaders and teams manage pressure, build resilience and sustain performance.

She understands that success isn’t simply about pushing harder, but knowing how to adapt, recover and move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.

Her inspirational book ‘The Hand You’re Dealt’ is available by clicking this link.

Kate Naess’ website is here.

The Melbourne Network Group's web page is HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

14 October 2026

Crammondmedia.com

At the September lunch of the Melbourne Network Group, Prasanna De Silva gave us a remarkable global perspective, drawing on 35 years with World Vision and the World Wildlife Fund, living and working across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has prepared him well for his role as CEO of The Mission to Seafarers Victoria.

For 170 years, the Mission has been a place of refuge and support for the seafarers who pass through Melbourne. Prasanna is now leading its next chapter, modernising its fundraising efforts, and steering its role in the fight against modern slavery in the maritime industry.

He gave us a fascinating insight into the human stories behind the people who keep world trade moving. More than 90% of the things we have or use have travelled on one of the 85,000 merchant ships staffed by over 2.5 million seafarers.

Enjoy the podcast of his speech, and read about the work and challenges of being a seafarer by clicking this link.

The Melbourne Network Group's web page is HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

09 September 2026

Crammondmedia.com

Sydney Airport near miss.

ABC SYD Radio 702 Drive host Thomas Oriti asked James Nixon about the latest on three near misses at Sydney Airport.

To see the ABC's webpage on the story CLICK HERE

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

14 August 2026

CrammondMedia.com

At the August lunch of the Melbourne Network Group, Tim Schenken OAM, the second Australian to stand on a Formula One podium, told us about his near-death experience on a Qantas 707 that suddenly dived toward the Arabian Sea on a dark, moonless night in 1969.

He told us about his career, including Formula One, driving for Ferrari in sports car racing, the real meaning of the Yellow Flag, his crash on the top of the mountain at Bathurst, and an encounter with the shirtless, beer-swilling wildlife while waiting for rescue.

Tim went on to a stellar career running motorsport events, 39 years as Clerk of Course of the Australian Grand Prix, and 35 years as Race Director for Supercars. 

The Melbourne Network Group's web page is HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

12 August 2026

Crammondmedia.com

©AmandaBarnes2026

The Airbus A350-1000 test flight arrives in Melbourne after flying 19,888 kms from Toulouse,  France in 19 hours and 12 mins.

ABC702 Radio Sydney's Sarah Gerathy asked James Nixon how pilots will handle these ultra-long-haul flights that Qantas is calling Project Sunrise.

" When we called up Medlink for the SIXTH medical case, I said 'I didn't know what was going on out there ... but I wasn't leaving the flight deck!' "

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

24 July 2026

At the July lunch of the Melbourne Network Group Phil Endersbee OAM talked about his life leading up to the development of Wilderness Wear; his passion for manufacturing, and work raising money and awareness for Prostate Cancer.

He explained how he does Social Housing, and made us realise: it’s easy if you just get on with it.

Phil demonstrated how you get things done with Rotary, told us what Governments should do to ensure our success, and how winning the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race be can be traced, many years earlier, to a friendship forged off the east coast of Tasmania with six bottles of lumpy milk, cornflakes and sugar.

The Melbourne Network Group's web page is HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

08 July 2026

Jacqui Felgate asked James Nixon about the ramifications for pilots and airlines of the 180 missiles being fired towards Israel by Iran overnight.

You can check out CrammondMedia's page with the radio interview HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

02 October 2024

ABC Regional Radio's Jonathon Kendall asked James Nixon if Australia needs an Aviation Ombudsman, as suggested by the Labor Government.  James does not wish to reward bad behaviour by the players, but cautions against killing the goose that laid the golden-egg.

You can check out CrammondMedia's page with the radio interview HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

07 August 2024

Disrupt Radio's Libbi Gorr and James Nixon talk about the Australian aviation industry and why it's not wise to take on the incumbents on the routes that provide all their money.

Later, they are joined by George Donikian in the Double Dee Spot.

You can check out CrammondMedia's page with the radio interview HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

05 August 2024

ABC Regional Radio's Jonathon Kendall asked James Nixon about the grounding of Regional Express capital city jet services. Their regional flights will continue for the being.

You can check out CrammondMedia's page with the radio interview HERE.

To see all The Nixon Tapes Podcast episodes CLICK HERE.

31 July 2024