While most famous for their burgers, Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham are at the forefront of Sydney’s counterculture – their venues provide a showcase for many of the city’s artists and musicians. Six months to the day since Covid ground zero, Mike checks in with Jake and Kenny to see how they and their enterprises are faring. Marys is a mid-scale hospitality business that champions live entertainment, so its health is a good barometer for the future cultural health of Sydney. If they can find a way through, then others can too.

The importance of access to public spaces has been thrown into sharp relief by Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown. Who knew that we’d come to value so highly the ability to simply sit in a park, let alone sit in a park with other people? Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon is the executive director for public spaces in the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. In this episode, she talks about the state government’s ambition to dramatically increase the proportion of homes in urban areas that are within ten minutes’ walk of quality, green, open and public space – essential for mental and bodily health now more than ever.

On Monday September 14, the NSW Government released its 24-Hour Economy Strategy – something industry leaders have been working towards since lockout was implemented back in 2014. To talk through the implications of this brand new chapter for NSW, Mike jumps into the guest seat in his capacity as chair of the Night Time Industries Association, to be interviewed by University of NSW Emeritus Professor Ross Harley. Joining Mike and Ross for the interview is the Committee for Sydney's Director of Advocacy, James Hulme.

Toby Schmitz is one of Australia's most accomplished thespians. He has starred in productions for Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir and Griffin, played Hamlet, and acted on Broadway. But what happens to a stage star when the theatres go dark? In a follow-up to episode four's discussion of livestreamed theatre, Schmitz talks to Mike about performing a one-man show in an empty venue for nine cameras and a global live audience. "I don't know what a theatre company is without an actor, other than just a building that you pay Sydney rent on," Schmitz notes. "But I do know what an actor is without a theatre – they are still an actor."

Salvatore Malatesta sits atop St Ali, a Melbourne coffee institution. Hit hard by the pandemic, Sal was able to pivot into sanitisers, face masks and a general store – with remarkable success. He talks to Mike about creativity and risk, and how he created new market opportunities by leveraging his team, his existing brand, and the distribution, sales and marketing functions of his business. He also talks about the value of 'friendship equity' acquired over years of business operation.

The challenge for industry during Covid is connecting with our audiences: understanding what they are doing, and how they are feeling. With Melbourne in lockdown and Sydney looking on uneasily, Mike interviews Time In Melbourne editor Rebecca Russo and Time Out Sydney editor Maxim Boon – on the tussle between staying in and going out; the differences in audience behaviour during Melbourne’s two lockdowns; and what future trends may be.

“I wanted it to be an international news story, and it was.” When Andy Henry, artistic director of small independent Sydney theatre company Red Line Productions, had to cancel his 2020 season, he had the groundbreaking idea of an international live-streamed play reading – and somehow got Alec Baldwin to star in it. In an inspirational interview, he tells Mike how smart entrepreneurship can help the arts reach an audience more hungry for connection than ever.

“I take a little bit of delight in the mess,” says Sydney city councillor Jess Miller. “Because I see it as an opportunity to make things better.” A former Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, Jess is famous for her creative approaches to sustainability, strategy and innovation. In a wide-ranging chat, she talks to Mike about the unique chance posed by the pandemic to improve our cities – from transport, supply chains and the use of public space to reimagining neighbourhoods and re-empowering citizens.

In March, Josh Pyke was poised to launch his first album in five years, Rome, with a sold-out live tour. Like every other performing arts professional in Australia, he swiftly had to find different ways to reach his audience. The popular singer-songwriter explains to Mike how he was able to re-engage his fanbase online, and what the next few months might bring for artists who make a living through live performance.

Are bottled cocktails a viable way for bars to make money in the age of Covid? And what is their future now that restrictions are lifting? To try to answer those questions Mike talks to Pasan Wijesena, owner-founder of Sydney bars Earl’s Juke Joint and Jacoby's, whose pivot to takeaway and delivered cocktails has helped keep his business ticking over during the lean months of lockdown.