The OSCA Podcast

In this episode of The OSCA Podcast, co-host Jacob Hooke ('22) sits down with Lachie Fraser-Smith ('85) to reflect on a remarkable career spanning four decades in the real estate and property industry.

Lachie shares the story of his journey from working on a farm in Tallarook to entering the real estate industry officially in October 1986. He reflects on how his time at Scotch, particularly the foundations he developed through public speaking, gave him the confidence to pursue auctioneering and ultimately build a successful career in real estate.

Drawing on 40 years of experience, Lachie discusses the importance of building strong relationships and networks, the qualities he looks for when building a team, and his advice for those looking to break into the real estate industry. He also shares his perspective on entering the property market, including the importance of location such as proximity to public transport, shops and schools.

The conversation also explores the current property landscape, including recent changes to the Federal Budget and the First Home Buyers Scheme, and what these changes could mean for those looking to purchase their first home.

Tune in to hear Lachie's journey from the farm to the auction floor, the lessons he has learnt across four decades in real estate, and his advice for the next generation seeking to enter the industry.

Read more about Lachie here: https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/agents/lachie-fraser-smith

In this episode of The OSCA Podcast, co-host Max Bodon (’24) sits down with Will Sutherland (’17) for an engaging conversation about cricket, leadership, and the journey from school sport to the professional arena.

Will reflects on his time at Scotch, from APS Firsts football and cricket to forging a career with the Melbourne Renegades and beyond. Growing up in a sporting family, he shares the influence of his father James and sister Annabel, the lessons they instilled, and how those experiences helped shape his approach to competition and personal growth.

The conversation explores the importance of leadership at every stage of a sporting career, the responsibility of contributing to a team environment as a young player, and some of Will’s favourite memories from his years at Scotch. He also discusses how the values developed during his time at school have carried through into his professional cricket career and life beyond the gates.

Tune in to hear Will’s journey from Scotch sport to the professional stage, along with his reflections on leadership, family, and the enduring impact of his time at Scotch.

In this episode of the OSCA Podcast, guest hosts Angus Bodon ('20), and Hudson Schwarz ('22) sit down with one of Victoria’s most consequential public figures — former Premier, two-time Hawthorn Football Club President, former Chairman of The Torch, and founding Chairman of Beyond Blue, Jeff Kennett ('65).

What begins as a conversation about Scotch College Melbourne and Jeff’s early years quickly broadens into something far more expansive — covering leadership, discipline, mental health, military service, public life, and Victoria’s past and future. Throughout, Jeff reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him long before public office: teachers, cadets, national service, teamwork, and the lessons that endure.

What emerges in this conversation, is a side of Jeff rarely captured in the media — reflective, nostalgic, deeply thoughtful, and highly conscious of legacy, service, and the direction of Victoria.

The episode later turns to what young voters should be looking for as Victoria heads toward the polls in November: responsibility, discipline, integrity, long-term thinking, and the importance of holding government to the same standards expected in everyday life.

Regardless of political perspective, this episode offers a rare and personal window into the life and thinking of a leader whose influence on Victoria continues to resonate.

In this episode of The OSCA Podcast, hosts Jacob Hooke (’22) and Max Bodon (’24) sit down with Rion Ahl (’20) for a thought-provoking conversation about what drives success within the Scotch Family and how mindset shapes opportunity. Rion explores how university can be used as a ‘runway to experiment’, the role of traditional media including its influence and the ways younger audiences interact with it, and the challenge of maintaining consistency and focus in a largely distracted world.

From the rapid rise of AI and its impact on how we work and connect, to the human need for meaning in an increasingly digital landscape, Rion offers a grounded perspective on where technology is heading and the challenges it poses for the next generation.

Tune into hear Rion’s journey, the lessons he’s learned so far, and his thoughts on navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of The OSCA Podcast, hosts Jacob Hooke (’22) and Max Bodon (’24) chat with Otto Schiffer (’23), the founder of fashion label ‘Sunday’.

Otto shares how Scotch instilled the discipline to back ideas with action – a mindset that gave him the confidence to launch Sunday during his time at school. He opens up about putting his own name and face to the brand, the story behind its identity, and how something as simple as his Dad reaching for a hoodie every Sunday helped shaped his clothing line’s purpose.

From failed ventures, to navigating his own success, Otto talks about building momentum, finding mass market appeal, and learning to balance creativity with traditional business practises. Along the way, he reflects on community, resilience and the drive to ‘do what you can’t’.

Tune in to hear Otto’s journey so far, his vision for Sunday and his advice for anyone ready to turn their own ideas into action.

In this episode of The OSCA Podcast, hosts Jacob Hooke (’22) and Max Bodon (’24) speak with William Le Brun (’22) – better known as The Swing King – about his journey from Scotch to the stage, and the beginnings of a career in entertainment that has already seen him perform on Australian Idol.

William shares how a spark during an exam led him to pursue his passion, starting with short videos and reels on Instagram. He opens up about the nerves of auditioning in front of Australian music icons, the support of his family, and the personal growth he’s experienced throughout the process.

With a deep love for swing, William talks about his mission to reinvent the genre for the next generation – not just as a showman but as an artist. He reflects on the lessons he’s learnt, the importance of being true to yourself, and why we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves as we chase our dreams.

Tune in to hear William’s inspiring story, his thoughts on confidence, character and creativity – and get a preview of his upcoming single and live show at Marvel Stadium on July 19. Keep an eye out for more on www.williamlebrun.com.au – and don’t miss this exciting conversation with a rising star.

In this episode of the OSCA Podcast, Jacob Hooke (‘22) and Scott Montgomery (’85) speak with Hugo Mylecharane (’07), Aiden Robertson (’21) and Josh McLeod (’21) about their start-up brewery, Local Brewing Company.

Hugo, Aiden and Josh discuss the process and challenges of setting up and scaling a micro-brewery, and how aligning with partners has brought positive change to local communities and beyond.

Discover how the Local Brewing Company’s innovative collaborations has resulted in a sustainable operation benefitting farmers, and providing 400,000 meals to Second Bite for those in need.

Thank you to Lach Marshall for putting together the music for the podcast - make sure to check him out on Spotify. 

In this episode of the OSCA Podcast, Jacob Hooke (‘22) and Scott Montgomery (’85) speak with Charlie Oates (’18) and Leo Roubos (’18) about their journey since leaving Scotch leading to their roles with AI start-up Fluency, a business process documentation tool.
Find out more about Fluency here.

Charlie and Leo discuss the challenges of balancing study and work and how taking up opportunities, following our interests and networking can influence the directions we take.

Discover what is involved in bringing a start-up to market and the challenges in working with a lean and motivated team to build a product from the ground up.

Thank you to Lach Marshall for putting together the music for the podcast - make sure to check him out on Spotify. 

In this episode of The OSCA Podcast, Lachie Strathmore (’15) and Scott Montgomery (’85) speak with Dr Scott Marsh on his first year as Scotch’s 10th School Principal.

In this episode, Dr Marsh shares his journey from his roots as a music teacher to his current role as School Principal.  Throughout his journey, he has performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, worked as the Director of Music at the Australian International School in Singapore, before returning to Sydney.  Dr Marsh emphasises the importance of mentors throughout his journey and shares his insights on teaching and learning.

Discover what drew Dr Marsh to Scotch College, his excitement about working with boys and his deep appreciation for the school’s rich traditions and history, and fostering strong relationships with the Scotch Family.

Thank you to Lach Marshall for putting together the music for the podcast - make sure to check him out on Spotify. 

In this episode of the OSCA Podcast, Lachie Strathmore (‘15) and Scott Montgomery (’85) speak with Arthur Hinton (’19).  On 17 February 2024, Arthur will be running 100km from Melbourne to Portsea to raise awareness for Alopecia, which affects approximately 160 million people worldwide.

 Since 2017, Alopecia has played a significant part in Arthur's life, when he witnessed a drastic transformation in his appearance, going from having a full head of hair to experiencing the disheartening reality of losing over half of it.

 In this episode, Arthur shares his journey of living with Alopecia, and his personal challenge of embarking on a 100k run in order to raise funds and awareness for the Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Give this awesome story a listen and go support Arthur in this challenge!