PODCAST · society
Made In Lithgow
by Ian Iddles and Brad Cluff
Made in Lithgow is where the stories of Lithgow come to life. Hosted by Ian "Legend" Iddles and Brad Cluff, we sit down with the people who make this community what it is—locals, legends, leaders, and everyday Australians with extraordinary stories.Honest, unfiltered and proudly regional, these conversations preserve the history, celebrate the characters and explore the future of one of Australia's most resilient towns.
Episodes
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#52: The Future of Lithgow is Sitting in this Room
What does the next generation really think about Lithgow? In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad Cluff and Ian “Legend” Iddles hand the microphones to three of Lithgow High School’s incoming school captains — Michael, Mantra and Alex, for an honest conversation about growing up in regional NSW...
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#51: "Do You Know Top Dawg?" | The Real Ean Griffiths
If you've spent any time in Lithgow over the past 20 years—or anywhere on the internet—you've probably heard the name Top Dawg. But who is the man behind the music? In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad Cluff and Ian "Legend" Iddles sit down with lifelong mate Ean "Top Dawg" Griffiths for one…
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#50: Paul Toole - 100 Days Closed - The Mt Victoria Pass Crisis
For our milestone 50th episode, we sit down with former Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole MP, for a deep dive into one of the biggest issues facing Lithgow and the Central West. As Mt Victoria Pass reaches 100 days of closure, frustration continues to grow…
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#49: Built on Family: Holly & Laura Vatalis Growing the Fox Brand in Lithgow
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with Laura and Holly Vatalis — two of the driving forces behind The Blue Fox, The Fast Fox, Fast Fox Portland, and soon, Cubs. Behind it all is their mum, Kat — the matriarch of the family and the steady force that helped bring it all to life. What...
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#48: Building the Future Citizen – Dr Foty Loupos & the Future of Education in Lithgow
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad Cluff and Ian Iddles sit down with Dr Foty Loupos, Principal of Lithgow High School. Dr Loupos has one of the most unique journeys into education leadership you’ll hear. His career has spanned hospitality management, security and investigations…
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#47: Slice of Heaven – Andrew Ward: The Mountains Boy Who Found Home in Wallerawang
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with 2026 Wallerawang Citizen of the Year, Andrew “Wardy” Ward — a man who has spent more than four decades shaping community sport in Wallerawang and the wider Lithgow region. From his apprenticeship at the iconic Lithgow Small Arms Factory to...
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#46: Community in Action - Empowering Lithgow's Next Generation
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad Cluff and Ian Iddles sit down with Chris Wade, Manager of PCYC Lithgow and the 2024 PCYC NSW Manager of the Year. Chris shares his journey from retail and hardware into youth development, and how PCYC Lithgow has become a hub of opportunity, belonging and...
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#45: Roll The Dice: Rich Evans v2.0
This episode of Made in Lithgow is about one decision — and the ripple effect it creates. We sit down again with Rich Evans, not to talk about projects or achievements, but to tell the full story of what it means to wait for an organ transplant — and to survive one. Rich speaks openly about:...
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#44: Lithgow in Conversation: A Year of Stories, Strength & Community
This final episode of Made in Lithgow for 2025 is a reflection on what happens when you slow down and actually listen. Recorded just days before Christmas, Brad and Ian look back on a year of conversations that revealed consistent themes across Lithgow and the wider region — resilience without...
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#43: Up, Up & Away – How Two Local Women Built a Multi Award-Winning Business
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Ledge sit down with Bree and Kayla — the unstoppable sister duo behind Pretty Party People, fresh from winning the 2025 LDCC Excellence in Micro Business Award for the second time. From humble beginnings in their mum and dad’s dining room to becoming…
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#42: The Heartbeat of a Town: Jane Fenton and the Spirit of Lithgow
Born in a small Canadian town and now a very well-respected community figure, Jane Fenton has lived a story that feels like a movie — filled with love, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. In this heartfelt episode of Made in Lithgow, Jane shares her incredible journey from Toronto to...
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#41: You Wouldn’t Believe Me If I Told You: The Kelly Hamilton Story
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Ledge sit down with Kelly Hamilton — a South Bowenfels-born powerhouse blending country soul and rock grit. Kel opens up about her journey from Lithgow’s live pub scene to fronting her own band Sidecar and sharing stages with Aussie icons like Darryl...
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#40: From State Mine Gully to Inner Peace: Shell's search for wellbeing
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Ledge slow things right down — sort of. They’re joined by Shell from Wollemi Wellbeing, a Lithgow local who grew up running barefoot through State Mine Gully, trained in yoga and meditation in Rishikesh, India, and came home to help her community find...
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#39: Creeks, Corridors & Community: Steve from Landcare
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Legend sit down with Steve from Lithgow Oberon Landcare, a man who has literally rolled up his sleeves to heal country and community. From restoring creeks and tackling invasive weeds to building habitat corridors for Gang-Gang Cockatoos and leading...
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#38: Local Boy, Big Dreams: Tallan Egan on Footy, Family & the Future
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we chat with Tallan Egan — son of proud Lithgow locals Kyle and Jo Egan — about his incredible journey from the Lithgow Storm and Workies fields to the Western Rams, into the One NZ Warriors development system, and now his signing with the Newcastle Knights...
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#37: Daniel Zolfel and the Legacy of Zig Zag Railway in Lithgow
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Ian sit down with Dan, CEO of the Zig Zag Railway—an icon of Lithgow, NSW and one of the most important pieces of railway heritage in Australia. From its origins in the 1860s as an engineering marvel connecting Sydney to the west, to its rebirth as a...
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#36: Death Cap & Deception – Lisa Mclean on the Mushroom Murder Trial
From Lithgow to the world stage: journalist and podcaster Lisa Mclean has covered everything from Prince Andrew and Epstein to Vanderpump scandals — but nothing has captivated the nation like the Mushroom Murder Trial. Lisa sat inside the courtroom, tracked Erin Patterson’s lies, and brings us...
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#35: Opportunity Knocks – Blake Edgell on Buying Into Lithgow
What do you get when you mix a butcher’s apron, a drum kit, a long bus ride to Blue Mountains Grammar, and a love for Lithgow? You get Blake Edgell – musician, family man, and one of the region’s leading real estate agents. In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Legend take a trip down…
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#34: Blood, Sweat & Green Carpet – The Story Behind Black Gold
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Ian and Brad sit down with Brad’s parents, Robert and Linda Cluff—the visionary couple behind a hospitality powerhouse that started as Black Gold Cabins, evolved into Black Gold Motel, and is now simply known as Black Gold. What they’ve built isn’t just a...
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#33: Strength from the Shadows: Phil Evans, Fitness & Fortitude in Lithgow
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we explore the fascinating story of Phil Evans, a Lithgow local who is making waves in the world of CrossFit. Despite suffering from debilitating health issues, Phil transformed his life through fitness, mindset, and nutrition, leading him to qualify #21 at the...
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#32: From Pop-Up to Paris – Twigging into Lithgow’s Future
What happens when a retail veteran and her ambitious daughter trade the chaos of Sydney for the charm of Lithgow? In this episode, we sit down with Lara and Paris Hall, the powerhouse pair behind TWIG boutique and a rising real estate career. From Ironfest epiphanies to raising kids and reshaping...
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#31: Grounded & Growing – Youth, Industry and the Real Talk with Makenzie Denley
Born, bred & raised in Lithgow, Makenzie Denley is shaping the future from the ground up—literally. As an Environmental & Community Officer at Centennial Coal, she’s one of the youngest and most grounded voices in the mining and energy conversation. In this wide-ranging episode, Makenzie shares...
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#30: Room to Grow: The Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight
In Episode 30 of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Legend go guest-free to reflect on the stories shaping their hometown. This candid conversation covers everything from a huge maintenance shutdown at Mt Piper. Black Gold’s rise to the global top 1% on TripAdvisor, broken lookouts, blocked roads, and...
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#29: Master of His Own Destiny – The Ben Houlison Story
Ben Houlison’s journey is everything Made in Lithgow stands for — resilience, purpose, and the strength of community. After a life-altering mining accident in his early twenties, Ben was stripped back to bare basics — but never alone. Surrounded by the love and support of his entire family —...
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#28: The Message Train with Scott Simcoe
From the basketball courts of Lithgow to the Australian Army and into boardrooms across the nation, Scott Simcoe has spent a lifetime mastering structure, leadership, and clear communication. In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we uncover the story behind Message Train — the regional business...
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#27: Frank & Frank: From Fruit Shops to Fire Halos – A True-Blue Lithgow Legacy
What do you get when you cross two third-generation Italo-Aussies, a tonne of work ethic, a few pallets of tomatoes, and a national TV appearance? You get Frank Capamola and Frank Inzitari—the brains behind the Fire Halo, and the hearts behind some of Lithgow’s most iconic family-run businesses.…
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#26: A Journey of Footy & Fire: Tim Maddison from NRL Stalwart to Lithgow Businessman
NRL Front Rower. Business leader. And just a bloody good bloke. In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with Tim Maddison — a former first-grade enforcer who played 115 games across five clubs, including the Knights, Roosters, Sharks, Cowboys, Mariners & a stint in France. But that was…
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#25: Steel & Stillness - How Brad De Losa Became a 12x World Champion Axeman
When we first kicked off Made in Lithgow, Brad De Losa was our white whale. Not just because of his world records or championship titles, but because he embodies what this region is — calm, grounded, and quietly extraordinary. In this episode, we sit down with one of the world’s most successful...
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#24: From the Fairway to the Coalface: Greg Guest on Golf, Mining & Community
In this episode of Made In Lithgow, we sit down with Lithgow Golf Club President and former coal industry stalwart, Greg Guest. Greg takes us through the long and proud history of the Golf Club — from a time when Lithgow had three golf courses, to the challenges and milestones faced over the...
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#23 - Beyond the Tracks: Craig Flynn on Adventure, Community & Change
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, Brad and Ian chat with Craig Flynn—coal miner, canyoning enthusiast, bushwalker, and president of the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club. With Lithgow’s rich history and stunning natural terrain, Craig shares his vision for the region’s future, balancing...
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#22 - From Lithgow to Leadership: Enabling Change in Business, Sport, Crisis Management & Community
With Cyclone Alfred looming, we felt this conversation was too important to wait, so we’re releasing it early. This episode dives deep into community resilience, disaster response, and what it takes to rebuild after catastrophe.We sit down with Lyndall Murray, proudly born and bred in Lithgow,...
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#21 - Debate, Respect & Hard Truths: The Future of Lithgow
Now is the time for mature conversations. Debate is good. Respect is important. At the core of it, we’re all human—we might have different views, but at the base of it, we all want the same things: a thriving town, opportunity for our kids, and a strong future for Lithgow. The fact is, our town…
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#20 – Moving the Bricks: Lithgow’s Future, Festivals & Frustrations
Lithgow is at a crossroads, with major events and attractions facing an uncertain future and a transition in which we seem to be forgotten. In a town promised that “No-one held back, no-one left behind,” it's hard not to feel like we’re being left in the dust. In this episode, Brad & Ian tackle...
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#19 - Uncle Bob Sutor: The Soundtrack of Lithgow
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with the one and only Uncle Bob Sutor—a local legend who's done it all. Uncle Bob has left his mark on Lithgow and beyond, from musician to comedian, film producer, film director, Aboriginal elder, and teacher. We dive deep into his heritage, his...
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#18 - Threads of Connection: The Nana’s Touch Story
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with Sue Murdoch, the heart and soul behind Nana’s Touch Community Connection. What started as a grandmother's journey to find support for her grandson with autism has grown into a vital lifeline for the Lithgow community. From disability advocacy…
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#17 - Project Legend
We’re kicking off 2025 with a powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. In this episode, we dive into Project Legend, an inspiring journey toward better health, mindset, and change. Join us as we explore: ✔️ A raw and honest personal battle with weight and self-care ✔️ The...
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#16 - Dancing Through Opportunity: Education, Teamwork, and 2024 Farewell
The final episode of Made in Lithgow for 2024 brings together Brad, Ian, and the third member of the production team, Katrina Cluff. Katrina shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Lithgow and discovering her love for dance at a local school to establishing her own school and eventually...
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#15 - Memento Mori: Resilience, Community & Managing Change with Rich Evans
In this powerful episode of Made in Lithgow, we explore the philosophy of Memento Mori—"Remember, you will die"—through the lens of Rich Evans' extraordinary life and work. Rich embodies the power of perseverance, turning challenges into opportunities and profoundly impacting the Lithgow region…
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#14 - Changing Lives and Saving Futures with Kelly and Michael McNamara
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we chat with Kelly and Michael McNamara, the founders of the Save Traffic Offender Intervention Program. Kelly and Michael—alongside Michael's mother, who played an integral role in those early years—developed a life-changing program with a mission to reduce...
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#13 - Lithgow to Hollywood: Carlo Monaghan - A Journey of One
This week on Made in Lithgow, we bring you one of our most compelling episodes yet! Join us as we spotlight Lithgow’s own Carlo, a Hollywood visual effects maestro behind blockbuster hits like The Hobbit, Godzilla, Captain America, and Ford vs Ferrari. From his small-town roots in Lithgow to…
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#12 - Shane Coombe: Washing Away Barriers with Innovation and Inclusion
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with Shane Coombe, Managing Director of Access Laundry, and the driving force behind the OLS Group. Shane shares his journey from growing up on a sheep station on the Nullarbor Plain to managing multiple businesses across NSW. We dive into his…
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#11 - Making Tracks with Julie: 4WD Adventures, the Aussie Bush & Wildlife Care
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we’re delighted to welcome Julie Eggenhuizen from Getabout 4WD, Australia's leading 4WD training business, proudly based in Marrangaroo. Julie shares her passion for off-roading, her love for wildlife as a dedicated WIRES volunteer, and her vast knowledge of...
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#10 - Save the Small Arms Factory Museum
In August 2024, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum faced a significant break-in, resulting in the theft of 27 historical handguns valued at over $200,000. This incident, coupled with ongoing lease delays, has jeopardised the preservation of this vital institution. In this special Made in…
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#9 - Back to the Bar: Bowser's Return to Lithgow
In our latest episode of Made In Lithgow, we continue our chat with the legendary Barry "Bowser" Rushworth. In Part 2, Barry talks about his return to Lithgow, after his time playing football in Sydney and how that led him into becoming a prominent local hotelier. He tells a few stories from the...
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#8 - From the Bush to the Kangaroos: Barry 'Bowser' Rushworth's Incredible Journey
In our latest episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with the legendary Barry "Bowser" Rushworth! In part one of this two-part series, Bowser shares the incredible story of how he was plucked from the bush to play for the Kangaroos, alongside some of the greatest rugby league players the game…
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#7- Giant Tree Park in Wallerawang
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we explore the towering beauty of Barton Park Giant Trees Arboretum and the inspiring efforts of the selfless volunteers who make it thrive. Join us for a fascinating conversation with James Knox and Bruce Ryan, two passionate stewards of the arboretum, as we...
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#6 - David Joseph: Roots, Reflections & the Future of Energy
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we sit down with David Joseph, a longtime friend and member of one of the first Lebanese families to settle in Lithgow—and possibly Australia. David reflects on his family’s rich history, including the enormous contributions of the highly respected Dr. Joseph,...
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#5 - Global Feedback and Local Futures: A Deep Dive into Lithgow
In this episode, Brad and Legend reflect on their first podcast episodes, discussing the feedback they've received from across Australia and beyond. They put out a call for potential special guests in future episodes and take a deep dive into the future of Lithgow, exploring what lies ahead for...
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#4 - Kellie Evans Central West The Village Voice
In this episode of Made in Lithgow, we talk with Kellie Evans, one of the driving forces behind Village Voice Central West, a newspaper she and her husband Rich built from nothing, focused on sharing positive stories. Kellies work in transforming Portland is a testament to her belief in the power...
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#3 - Beatlesfest Lithgow
Step on board The Yellow Submarine as we take a Magical Mystery Tour with the creative minds behind Beatlesfest Lithgow, Wade Jackson and Jonathon Sequeira. Grab your Ticket to Ride as we hear what drew the lads to the Lithgow Valley, the inspiration behind honouring the music of The...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Made in Lithgow is where the stories of Lithgow come to life. Hosted by Ian "Legend" Iddles and Brad Cluff, we sit down with the people who make this community what it is—locals, legends, leaders, and everyday Australians with extraordinary stories.Honest, unfiltered and proudly regional, these conversations preserve the history, celebrate the characters and explore the future of one of Australia's most resilient towns.
HOSTED BY
Ian Iddles and Brad Cluff
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Made In Lithgow have?
Made In Lithgow currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Made In Lithgow about?
Made in Lithgow is where the stories of Lithgow come to life. Hosted by Ian "Legend" Iddles and Brad Cluff, we sit down with the people who make this community what it is—locals, legends, leaders, and everyday Australians with extraordinary stories.Honest, unfiltered and proudly regional, these...
How often does Made In Lithgow release new episodes?
Made In Lithgow has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Made In Lithgow?
You can listen to Made In Lithgow on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Made In Lithgow?
Made In Lithgow is created and hosted by Ian Iddles and Brad Cluff.
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