WHAT I'VE LEARNT

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Award-winning author Jane Harper taps into the insatiable desire for authentic crime thrillers with “The Dry” her best-selling novel that has put her firmly on the international stage with more than a million copies sold globally so far!

The story features a desperate tale of murder and mystery set against the arid outback and drought-stricken Australian landscape. 

In the book, the tragic tale of an unexplained murder-suicide rocks a small rural town, set against a backdrop of drought and isolation.

“Luke Hadler turns a gun on his wife and child, then himself. The farming community of Kiewarra is facing life and death choices daily. If one of their own broke under the strain, well…”

A powerful tale of fear, loss, secrets, and love, the film version starring Australian screen legend Eric Bana has just taken more than $10 million at the Box Office! 

So Jane is definitely a powerful storyteller who has captured the Australian essence and ethos. But in truth, she’s captured universal themes of trauma, betrayal, survival, and truth.

This is also reflected in her new book “The Survivors” with The Guardian describing it as portraying a “sense of a place so vivid you can almost feel the blistering heat “, and the Sydney Morning Herald stating there is “something mythic and valiant .. a quintessentially Australian story beautifully told” 

Well, it’s quite an accolade when The 42nd US president Bill Clinton comments on your best-selling novel. Describing “The Dry” in glowing terms he says, “It makes the Australian Outback come alive and breeds respect for its survivors.”

The major motion picture adaptation of The Dry, starring Eric Bana as Aaron Falk, has had rave reviews. 

Jane has won numerous top awards including the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel, the British Book Awards Crime and Thriller Book of the Year, the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year, and the Australian Indie Awards Book of the Year. In 2019 she continued to win an array of literary awards.

But Jane has already released her next book, The Survivors, her fourth novel - a standalone mystery set in Tasmania. Once again it’s a gripping tale of survival with secrets and a historical murder that sets to unravel a rural community.

So where did it all start? Actually born in Manchester Jane moved back to Australia eventually taking up an opportunity as a business journalist, in which she “wrote hundreds of words most days", good training for her soon-to-be fiction writing.

In 2014, Jane submitted a short story which was one of 12 chosen for the Big Issue's annual Fiction Edition. That inspired her to pursue creative writing more seriously, writing daily before and after work, breaking through with “The Dry at the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards in 2015.”

As a fellow journalist, I am inspired by her success which I think in part is a reflection of her eye for detail, her authenticity, and her penchant for a good crime thriller! 

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Paul Grabowsky is a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor – and is one of Australia’s most distinguished artists. 

His recent collaboration with the likes of Paul Kelly and Archie Roach showcases Paul’s versatility and both the albums brim with musical gems about love, heartbreak, and tenderness -  a must listen. 

During the late 70's he became prominent in the music scene in Melbourne, working on various jazz, theater, and cabaret projects. 

He lived and worked in Europe and the US, during which time he performed with many jazz luminaries including Chet Baker. 

He returned to Australia and established a reputation as one of Australia's leading jazz musicians and was the musical director for jazz singer Vince Jones. 

He was also musical director of Tonight Live with Steve Vizard (a nationally televised variety show) and was also Commissioning Editor (Arts and Entertainment) for ABC Television. 

Paul has written over twenty feature film scores in Australia, the UK, and the US including films for major directors 'Innocence' (Paul Cox) and ‘Words and Pictures’ (Fred Schepisi) 

His works for the theater include four operas and various multimedia works. His most recent opera, created for soprano Emma Matthews, ‘The Space Between’, with the libretto by Steve Vizard, premiered at the Arts Centre Melbourne. 

He has won eight ARIA awards (most recently in 2020 for his recording, 'Please Leave Your Light On’ with singer Paul Kelly), two Helpmann awards, several APRA, and was the Sydney Myer Performing Artist of the Year in 2000. 

Paul was also an Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival from 2005 and was Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival of Arts for 2010 and 2012. 

Now a Professor at Monash University he is currently director of the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts and the Monash Art Ensemble. He oversaw the development of the Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, which opened in May 2019, and launched MLIVE, a year-round series of curated performances. 

Such a delight to interview. 

So Grab a Tea or a G and T and let’s get intimate x

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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A diminutive figure arrives clicking her heels on my parquetry floor, furtive and fresh from shooting on the set of her award winning television series Wentworth, Sigrid Thornton is striking - 
Sky high cheekbones big emerald eyes and a perfect pout. 
When she speaks she is clear crisp sartorial with a theatrical lilt. 
Sharp and witty as she reflects on the challenges of work and motherhood and staying sane while pushing herself well out of her comfort zone. 

A delight to interview. 
We could all learn a lot from Sigrid.
So grab a Tea or a G and T and let’s get intimate 🎤🎤

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected])

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Due to demand and interest in this very special interview, we have re released it for those that missed it as it was our first episode. 

Enjoy - 

Warm and relaxed I loved interviewing Deb at home. 

As she sunk into my white velvet couch surrounded by black and white floral silk cushions, she was so natural and unpretentious. 
We nibbled on ribbon sandwiches sipped herbal tea and reflected on so much including the anxiety and mental health struggles rife in the Arts community, her life in New York with Hugh and the kids, and the overwhelming grief of losing her beautiful mother. 

Honest raw and funny Thankyou Deb. 
Such a pleasure 🙏🏽🙏🏽
So grab a tea or a G and T and let’s get intimate 🎤🎤

Deborah is a proud supporter of the Lighthouse Foundation.
For more information, please visit lighthouse foundation.org.au

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected])

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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Caroline Burkie, head of the UK and EU World Literacy Foundation - a global organisation. 

Based in 7 countries including Australia, that focuses on lifting people out of poverty through literacy.

As an author, publisher, and book lover, I’m excited to share that I’ve joined forces with the World Literacy Foundation to promote awareness, and foster education both here and overseas. I’ll be bringing you some incredible stories - so stay tuned.

Meanwhile Here are some mind blowing facts !

1 in 5 people in the world cannot read or write 

2 billion people in the world struggle to read a sentence 

Literacy and education can break the poverty cycle 

750 million people globally can’t read or write and you guessed it 3/4 of them are women 

People who are illiterate face the prospect of poor health outcomes, welfare dependency, gender inequality and a lack of social cohesion.

Studies have shown the mother´s literacy level is closely related to child health and survival.

Literacy significantly enhances a person’s ability to access, understand and apply information about health to make accurate decisions.

Literacy promotes gender equality as a fundamental condition for the full enjoyment of human rights, provide better skills for work and socio-economic participation by women and men.

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected]

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

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For 30 years Paul Bangay has fulfilled his clients’ aspirations for gardens that are expressive of the timeless elegance, and classic simplicity for which he is internationally renowned.

Widely regarded as the foremost garden designer in Australia today, Bangay’s clients include a roster of the most prominent figures in business and culture. 
His extensive list of projects span private and public commissions in Australia and New Zealand, as well as further afield in Europe, North America and the West Indies.

“To live a life led by the seasons is to live one closely tied to a garden, and Stonefields is mine”, says Paul.
 
Pauls celebrated Victorian property, Stonefields, has now been under his expert care for 15 years.
Today, the garden is mature and more beautiful than ever – from the vibrant autumn colours in the woodland, and evocative dormancy of winter, to the jubilant flowering of the crab apple in springtime and perpetual rich harvest of produce.

In his new book “Stonefields by the Seasons,” Paul takes the reader through the garden at different times of year to highlight the design principles he has applied to various parts of it, and the wide-ranging inspirations for his choices.
Along the way, he gives practical advice on seasonal planting and outlines essential quarterly tasks.
Recently when visiting the stunning stonefields property, I loved the symmetry, yet free form style of the sumptuous gardens Paul has nurtured, and was struck by the calm, peaceful aura - a true sanctuary in the rolling hills of Woodend, Victoria.

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected]

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

The master of melancholy and pop, icon Troye Sivan was one the most articulate intelligent subjects I’ve interviewed. 
Big blue eyes and a flop of carefully cropped curls, he was forthright about gay rights, the power of the people, and his passion for music. 
He’s performed with everyone from Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift to Nashville Superstar Kasey Musgrave. 
With his millions of Instagram followers tracking his every creative move, the 2020 release of his new EP “In A Dream” is an ode to broken hearts, new beginnings, and simmers with that addictive melancholia that resonates through much of his work.

There are few artists as capable as Troye Sivan at capturing the modern sense of melancholy. 
So, in the midst of a global pandemic, the 25-year-old pop star is perfectly situated for a pop takeover.
On his brand new EP In a Dream, Sivan's gloomy pop is evolved to perhaps its highest form yet, as he stitches mournful lyrics with exuberant dance-pop production. 
Occasionally veering into the experimental, the entire EP remains true to Sivan's core musical style, as he studies the "emotional rollercoaster period" of his life through deeply satisfying music.“ Billboard magazine. 

"Coming Out" gay on You Tube at just shy of 20 is no mean feat. but for Troye who has always danced to the beat of his own drum, this was just part of his extraordinary journey. 

Crying with his dad who was the first one in the family to know Troye was gay at age 15, Troye speaks candidly on the What I've Learnt podcast about the overwhelming fear and relief of being true to himself, the love and support of his very close family, and the hope he has for the future of gay rights, education and the LGBQTI movement.

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected]

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Goodwill Champion for her Aunty Olivia Newton John's cancer and wellness centre, and recipient of an OAM for her services to the Arts, Tottie Goldsmith has graced our screens and many stages across Australia singing, acting, even tap dancing her way across the globe.

One of 8 children to her 5 times married Father, the renowned eccentric nightclub owner Brian Goldsmith, Totties life has never been dull - infact it’s brimmed with a kaleidoscope of family and friends many from the Arts. 
It’s always been a rich tapestry with layers of love and a lot of music too! 
Her girl band the Chantoozies started back in the 80s and they’re all still super connected.

Ever since I can remember Tottie's beauty, warmth and down to earth style has been loved by so many - some seeing sunny shades of her famous auntie Olivia in that beautiful smile.

Tot has also had her fair share of challenges and disappointments, and has been confronted by the loss of her beautiful mum Rona to cancer several years ago, and now is right by the side of her aunt Olivia as she battles stage 4 cancer.

Blessed with her gorgeous 27 year old bohemian daughter Layla, Tot is grateful and loves to meditate and eats super healthy whenever she can.

She takes nothing for granted including the opportunities she has had.

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected]

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

One of the most inspiring, energetic creative people I’ve known, Jane Badler Hains, a beautiful talented New Yorker arrived in Melbourne in the 80s as an actor who is best known for her role as Diana in the cult NBC miniseries V.

She’s worked with many including actors Alec Baldwin and Val Kilmer and featured on talk shows from Johnny Carson to David Letterman.

Arriving in Australia to play a major role in the reboot of the Mission: Impossible TV series, Jane stayed.

Producer, singer, actor and mother she fell in love and married Aussie Stephen Hains, of the established racing Hains family, and as they say, the rest is history. 

Janes story is one of great passion and great pain. 
Always articulate, creative and open about the challenges of mental health and addiction, sadly Jane tragically lost her beautiful son Harry Hains, 27 through an accidental overdose in January this year. 

Jane is open about how she has coped, her grief, the loss and the addiction epidemic destroying so many young lives.

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected]

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Send us Fan Mail

Emerging from Kokoda in March, Jon says it changed both himself and his son Levi - They learnt a lot including, “War is hell! “

He also reflects on the Arts in Australia, and how this billion dollar industry and the arts community have been kicked to the curb. Jon is angry about it. 

“Musicians give everything - they raise money for everything from the the floods to the fires with love and hope to help - they use music to make people happy to help them heal. Music is the healing force that unites people.” 

The youngest of 11 kids growing up in rural New Zealand - Jon has certainly found his voice.

He is recognised as one of the most talented rock musicians to emerge from Australia in recent memory. He has had phenomenal success as a solo artist, and was also the lead singer of major rock acts Noiseworks, INXS and  Dead Daisies.

With sold out shows across the country as part of his national “Take Me Back tour” ... Jon has always loved the road and performing live for his loyal fans.

Whether he's collaborating with Eurythmics Dave Stewart, or belting out songs with friends Kate Ceberano and Jimmy Barnes, Jon is grounded, authentic and always keeps it real. 

Music is his in his veins and is his lifeblood - it’s what drives him to keep creating touring and collaborating. 

A career spanning decades with coveted roles in rock musical Jesus Christ superstar which had audiences swooning through to his role as the “seventh member” of INXS - Jon has rocked the globe!

He recently released his new album Starlight, and a brand-new single titled ‘Hold On’ joining forces with legendary musician, songwriter and producer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, who co-wrote and produced the album. 

He also released a charity single, Rain Down On Me, with all proceeds going to help the drought- stricken farmers and victims of the bushfire crisis via Rural Aid.

Jon is an Australian legend! So Grab a tea or a G and T and let’s get intimate X

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & host:
Deborah Blashki-Marks (mindfilmandpublishing.com.au)

Podcast Audio Producer:
Sophie Jackson (Soundstreet.com.au)

Artwork:
Sam Moses (www.samanthamoses.com)

Original music:
Jonah Orbach

Voice Recording:
Matia Marks

Design:
Rachel Mcarthy ([email protected]

Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/

Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBk

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850