After Hours

In this episode of After Hours, I sit down with CEO of The Fair Co., Chris Buckingham. Chris and The Fair Co. are helping drive a more inclusive and equitable economy across Victoria and Australia; championing meaningful employment and creating pathways for those often left out of the workforce.

In Episode 18, I'm joined by Susan Provan, Director and CEO of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of the largest and most celebrated comedy festivals in the world.In this episode, Susan takes us back to where it all began, sharing the origins of the Festival and how it has grown into a defining part of Australia’s cultural calendar. From its early days to its global reach today, we explore what makes the Festival so special; for artists, audiences, and the city itself.With the Festival wrapping up this Sunday 19 April, there’s never been a better time to dive in, discover a new act, and support the incredible talent shaping Australian comedy.

On Episode 17 of After Hours, I’m joined by Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, the organisation representing more than 120,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers across Australia and New Zealand.Dean sits at the centre of the music industry, advocating for creators and pushing for a future where their work is properly recognised and rewarded.We get into how APRA AMCOS shapes the creative landscape, what’s changing for artists right now, and the real challenges behind making a living in music today.

Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, joins After Hours to discuss the global fight against illiteracy. From grassroots initiatives to international advocacy, Andrew shares insights on how education transforms lives and what it will take to create a world where every child can read and write.

In this episode, I’m joined by Steph Say, CEO of HoMie, to talk about how this Melbourne social enterprise is using streetwear to create real opportunities for young people affected by homelessness.

In this episode I’m joined by the team at Reground to talk how this Melbourne social enterprise is helping turn waste into real-world impact ♻️Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode I'm joined by The Beautiful Bunch founder Jane Marx to talk flowers, futures, and how this social enterprise is helping young refugee women realise their dreams.

In this episode of After Hours, I am joined by Katherine Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria, a flagship organisation dedicated to developing purposeful, values-driven leaders.Whether you’re leading a team, a project, or a community initiative, this conversation offers practical insights into leadership that inspires real impact.Listen in for a thoughtful discussion on the kind of leadership our communities need today.

In this episode, I sit down with Jacquie O'Brien from Respect Victoria, the organisation dedicated to preventing family violence and violence against women in Victoria, before it starts.Through education, awareness, and community partnerships, Respect Victoria is leading long-term cultural change to build a future where respect and equality are at the heart of every relationship, workplace, and community.Join us as we explore how prevention works, why respect matters, and how we can all play a part in creating safer, more equal communities.

In this episode, I chat with Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria, one of Australia’s longest-running environmental organisations dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities to protect and enhance our environment.For over five decades, their programs, from Adopt A Roadside and Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards to countless planting and clean-up days, have brought people together to create cleaner, greener, and more connected communities.Discover how collective action can drive real change, and how you can be part of keeping Victoria beautiful. 🌱

A conversation with CEO of aged care and retirement living provider Warramunda Village, John Clark.

From the unicycle to the stage, Samuel Johnson OAM has lived an extraordinary public life. But it’s his off-screen mission, co-founding Love Your Sister with his late sister Connie, that’s captured the nation’s heart.Joined by Lucy Freeman, Managing Director and driving force of LYS, Samuel opens up about grief, legacy, and the power of showing up.

For decades, Rock Posters has been part of the visual heartbeat of Australia’s music and arts culture. Marcus Seal joins After Hours to reflect on the company’s evolution, the changing face of street advertising, and the creative grit that keeps poster culture alive. A conversation about art, identity, and the stories stuck to our city walls.

Colin Seery, CEO of Lifeline Australia, joins me for a powerful conversation on leadership in the mental health sector, the evolving role of crisis support, and what it really means to lead with empathy.From personal stories to national impact, Colin reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of supporting Australians when they need it most, and how Lifeline continues to meet the rising need for connection and care.

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Duncan, CEO of The Push, a Victorian youth music organisation empowering the next generation through creativity, leadership, and community.Kate shares how The Push is helping young people break into the music industry, overcome barriers, and lead meaningful change, all while staying true to its grassroots spirit.This is the first episode in a new look After Hours spotlighting the people behind Australia’s most impactful not-for-profits.

Dive into the story of one of Australia’s most iconic family-run brands, Maton Guitars. Maton’s General Manager, David Steedman, joins me to explore the music, legacy, and craftsmanship behind guitars loved by legends like Elvis, George Harrison, Paul Kelly and Tommy Emmanuel. Discover how this homegrown company built a sound that has shaped generations and become a name known around the world.

Georgina from T.Ferdinand Leather Co. joins us to talk slow fashion, craftsmanship, and building a brand rooted in quality and care. A thoughtful chat with a maker who’s all about doing things differently.

Karen Conrad has worn many hats - entrepreneur, academic, and business owner - but to me, she's Mum. As she prepares to close doors on The Greenery Garden and Home in Heidelberg after nearly 50 years, we talk about resilience, reinvention, and the highs and lows of running a family business.

What started as a humble sandwich shop has become one of Melbourne's most talked-about culinary destinations. In this premiere episode, I sit down with Kathryn and Nick, the team behind Barry's Garage in Kew to talk food, social media fame, and how they've created a space that's as much about community as it is about coffee.