Episode 71. From 90s Hip-Hop Icons to Motorsport & Rave Brunches: The Evolution of Demelza Leonard

Welcome back to another episode of The Buzz with Bernadette! This week, we are coming to you straight from the incredible Active Wellness Spa in Victoria Park, sitting down with an absolute staple of the Perth media scene—Demelza Leonard. If you grew up in Perth, you probably know her as ‘Tha Diva’ from Groove 101.7fm or remember her iconic work with *Xpress Magazine*. For over 20 years, Demelza has been navigating the highs, lows, and relentless hustle of the creative industry. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her legendary vault of 90s and 2000s urban music interviews, uncovering what it was really like sitting down with some of the biggest names in hip-hop before the era of digital gatekeeping. We discuss the raw energy of 90s radio, the stories she’s never told publicly, and the reality of keeping physical artifacts from a bygone era of music journalism.But Demelza is someone who has constantly evolved. We explore her fascinating pivot into the world of motorsport as the face of the WA Sporting Car Club championships, and her current work as a pop culture marketer and high-level UGC creator. We also get into the real talk: how she manages the mental load of motherhood alongside the creative grind, knowing when to kill a project to start something new, and the massive success of her latest venture, *Rave and Brunch*, which sold over 100 tickets at its debut event.Whether you are a media veteran, an aspiring creative, or just someone who loves a brilliant story of reinvention, Demelza drops some of the most genuine, no-nonsense advice you will hear all year. Make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let us know your favorite part of the interview in the comments!**In this episode, we cover:*** Unseen stories from interviewing massive 90s and 2000s hip-hop icons* The truth behind the ‘Tha Diva’ persona and the raw energy of 90s radio* Navigating the pivot from music journalism to the WA Sporting Car Club* The realities of the creative grind, motherhood, and staying relevant* The birth and booming success of her new event series, *Rave and BrunchConnect with Us:Host: Bernadette Maree | [@bernadette_maree](https://instagram.com/bernadette_maree) | [@bmediaperth](https://instagram.com/bmediaperth) | [bernadettemaree.com.au](https://bernadettemaree.com.au)* **Guest:** Demelza Leonard * **Venue Sponsor:** Active Wellness Spa, Victoria Park*New episodes of The Buzz with Bernadette drop every Wednesday! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.