In this special final episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, Kristy & Nic reflect on an incredible journey that began in 2021 during the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns and grew into a much-loved platform for connection, storytelling, and community across Swinburne. As Episode 31 marks Kristy’s final appearance as producer and co-host, they look back on how the podcast evolved from The Podcast Professionals with Kristy & Ash, and how it became a space that helped recreate those everyday conversations and human moments that were missing during remote work. Together they revisit standout guest conversations, memorable moments with colleagues from across Swinburne and Sarawak, and the many stories that have highlighted the warmth, humour, and depth of the Swinburne community.

Kristy and Nic also reflect on the impact the podcast has had beyond each episode, from inspiring new staff podcasters to contributing to initiatives like the Swinburne Podcast Showcase and including this podcast on Swinburne Radio.

Kristy shares her next chapter as she prepares to leave Swinburne, including her continued passion for podcasting across other projects such as Research for Social Impact, The Killer Storyteller, and Two Cousins One Chat. Nic pays tribute to Kristy’s leadership, creativity, and energy, and shares her commitment to continuing the podcast’s legacy into its next chapter. So stay tuned for more information here!

As they sign off, they thank each and every guest and listeners for being part of the journey and for helping shape a podcast built on connection, storytelling, and community. Grab your tissues....yes there are a few tears and lots of laughter too!

As always Thank You for listening ❤️
Kristy and Nic

In this special end-of-year episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Network Podcast, Kristy & Nic celebrate a major milestone, Episode 30 and they take time to reflect on a big year of conversations, connection, and community across Swinburne.

Looking back on 2025, they revisit standout moments from the podcast, including powerful discussions on accessibility, international celebrations marking Sarawak’s 25-year anniversary, community stories with Mai and Selena, and a dynamic panel featuring placement students working as professional staff. They also reflect on the evolving purpose of SPSN and the podcast’s role in amplifying professional staff voices while bringing all Swinburne staff together.

Kristy shares her personal highlights from the year, from recording the Sarawak celebration episode and Nic reflects on the impact of student-led episodes and the exciting career pathways that have followed for those involved.

There’s also BIG NEWS for the podcast, with The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast officially joining Swinburne Radio, thanks to the support of Peter Mercarto, and also a sneak peek at what’s lined up for 2026.

As the year comes to a close, we both extend our best wishes to all listeners and invite staff from across the university to get in touch and be part of future episodes.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support and for listening, see you in 2026
xo Kristy and Nicola

#SwinburneSpirit #ProfessionalStaff #PodcastCommunity

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, the Swinburne Commons YouTube channel, the Swinburne Commons site and now on Swinburne Radio!

In this special episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, hosts Kristy and Nic are joined by a panel of Swinburne students who are also employees or completing professional placements at Swinburne.
Tune in to hear their unique stories, experiences and what it’s like for students to be a part of what goes on behind the scenes across the university.

Thanks for listening.

Created by:
Kristy Horne: Host
Nicola Howard: Host
Rohan Gerrard: Producer
Emily Grech: Guest Student, EIX Junior Designer, Producer
Charlotte Dyer: Guest Professional Placement Student, Producer
Christina Hatzis: Guest Professional Placement Student
Tessa Mordue: Guest Professional Placement Student
Aaryan Bhati: Guest Professional Placement Student
Thaddeus Shu: Guest Professional Placement Student
Mia Leang: Guest Professional Placement Student

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, the Swinburne Commons YouTube channel, or the Swinburne Commons site.

In this heartwarming episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Network Podcast, Kristy and Nic sit down with a true campus icon, Mai Nguyen, owner of Café Gomez. On location over coffee and a few treats!
From Mai’s early days setting up shop to the quiet halls of lockdown and now a buzzing new (temporary) location, Mai shares what it’s really like to serve up connection and caffeine every day.
Discover how Gomez Café became more than just a place for coffee, it’s the heartbeat of Hawthorn campus, where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and every order comes with a smile.

“The café is so much more than just a place to grab coffee - it’s a real meeting place, a community hub.”
- Kristy, on the role of Café Gomez

☕ Come for the coffee, stay for the community. From lattes to laughter, discover how Café Gomez became a Swinburne institution.
#SwinburneSpirit #CampusCommunity

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or the Swinburne Commons site.

Celebrate 25 Years of Swinburne Sarawak on the SPSN Podcast!

In this special milestone episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, hosts Kristy and Nic are joined by Swinburne Sarawak pioneers Professor Sim Kwan Yong and Caroline Hon. From humble beginnings in a garden shed to becoming a vibrant international campus with over 4000 students and 10,000 alumni — this episode is a heartfelt look at legacy, leadership, and the power of community.

Don’t miss this inspiring milestone conversation with our Sarawak colleagues.

Thanks so much for listening.
Kristy & Nic

It’s a special edition of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast with Kristy & Nic! This time, we’re taking the mics to the Learning Circles and testing out a new recording space and sharing updates from around campus.

Here’s what’s in store in Episode 26:

Easter reflections and how to make the most of the break

A fresh take on professional development (hello ELMO training!)

Exciting upcoming guests

A sneak peek at our Sarawak episode celebrating 25 years

And of course, Hot Laps—why it’s more than just a walk

Got feedback or want to feature on a future episode? Drop us a line on Viva Engage—we’d love to hear from you! Have a wonderful break and see you soon!

Thanks for listening,
Kristy & Nicola

Join hosts Kristy and Nic as they dive into an insightful conversation about accessibility, equity, and inclusion at Swinburne. In this episode, we speak with Lauren Carter and Dr. Aurora Elmes from the Swinburne Accessibility Network to explore what true accessibility means, why it matters, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive university environment.

From practical ways to create accessible workplaces to the power of inclusive design and the impact of the new Disabled Equity Action Plan (DEAP), this episode is packed with valuable insights. Discover real-life examples of accessibility in action, learn simple changes that can make a big difference, and hear how Swinburne staff and students are leading the charge toward a more equitable future.

Kristy & Nic are back to ease into 2025 with a check-in on how the year is shaping up! Nic shares updates on her new role and what’s ahead, while Kristy opens up about adjusting to a three-day work week and how she’s managing the workload.

We also chat about Hot Laps attendance, the latest from the Thursday Breakfast Club (spoiler: the Kmart microwave toastie maker is a game changer!), and upcoming plans for Swinburne Radio and International Women’s Day.

Plus, we give a sneak peek at our next episode with Lauren Carter and Aurora Elmes on accessibility best practices.

Tune in for an engaging chat and connect with us on Viva Engage! Listen on Apple Podcasts, the Swinburne Commons YouTube channel, and the Swinburne Commons site. Plus, you can now find us on the Great Australian Podcast Directory—coming soon to SwinRadio!

Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening!

Kristy & Nic

In this special episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, Kristy and Nic take to the mic solo, sharing updates, insights, and plenty of laughs! Recorded live in the studio, it's Nic's first time in this setting, making for a fun and candid conversation. Here’s what to expect:

- The Best Laid Plans: A reshuffle of our 2024 plans, with some sessions moving to 2025, plus reflections on what worked and what didn’t this year.

- 2025 Guest Line-Up: Exciting guests are lined up, including Sara Webb, Joel Boojers, and a number of our Swinburne Sarawak colleagues, with a special multi-university collab on the horizon.

- Habit Stacking: Discover the habit-stacking techniques that keep Kristy and Nic on track—like lunges and squats while brushing teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil!

- Finding Joy in Your Role: Learn what keeps the duo passionate about their work and the little moments that make a difference.

- Hot Laps: Join the fun every Tuesday at 12 PM for a walk around Rocket Park in Hawthorn (Wakefield Gardens) everyone's welcome! Why not lead one on your campus, Should they take it on the road?

- Job Updates: Kristy shares her new journey in 2025, scaling back to three days per week to focus on CSI Swinburne.

- Skills and Talents: From drawing to DJ-ing, Kristy and Nic highlight the hidden talents that bring a unique touch to their work.

Tune in for an engaging chat, and connect with us via Viva Engage. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Swinburne Commons YouTube, and the Swinburne Commons site. Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening!

In our latest Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast episode, we’re thrilled to share a conversation that exemplifies passion and commitment. Your hosts Kristy and Nic delve deep into the dynamic efforts of Steph Antonopoulos and Max Halden, who are spearheading the Swinburne Ally Network’s initiatives. Prepare to be inspired as they discuss the incredible planning and execution of Pride Week 2024, a program that proudly celebrates Queer Excellence.

This episode isn’t just about personal highlights, Steph and Max share how staff, students, and the broader community can actively engage and make a difference throughout the year. Discover how small changes can have a powerful impact and how we can all contribute to creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves.

We’ve included links to the program, a fantastic Spotify ‘SLAYlist,’ and more resources to help you get involved. Don’t forget to check out Viva Engage for the latest opportunities to participate and make a meaningful impact.

Listen in and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive and vibrant community.