Pain In The Arts

This week I'm bringing a question that reared it's head again this week. It's the idea that suffering is the source of our best art. And the fear that goes with it - the reluctance to heal, to process and to move on - in case our edge goes with it.Because if it's true that the best work comes from the most painful places, what happens if you stop hurting? What if healing makes you lose the thing that made the work matter?It's a conversation about the tortured artist myth.Why it's persisted for centuries, what neuroscience actually tells us about trauma and creativity and whether it's possible to park the painful material somewhere you can still reach it, without having to live there to access it. Lyndon does his best to be supportive and understanding, but unfortunately gives-in to his usual intrusive thoughts! And we both ponder whether artists can actually afford therapy.You might want to listen if:• You wonder whether healing and creative legitimacy can coexist, or whether you have to choose• You've caught yourself thinking that an artist with an easy life might have nothing real to say• You're carrying something ongoing - not a wound from the past, but one that keeps reopening - and you're trying to make art out of itPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you actually feel when someone in your creative community gets the gig, the grant, or the recognition you wanted? And why do admiration and envy so often arrive in the same breath?In this re-released favourite from the archives, we take a closer look at creative envy. That tricky mix of admiration, aspiration, and longing that can surface when you watch peers succeed. Discover some ideas on how to stop comparison from stalling your progress, reframe jealousy, and transform those complex feelings into fuel for your own art.There's a detour through Greek mythology, a lost song Lyndon found on Dropbox 12 years after writing it, and a frank conversation about gatekeeping in the Australian arts scene - and why healthy competition requires a healthy environment to exist in.You might want to listen if:• You've ever sat in the audience at a book launch, a gig, or a gallery opening and felt equal parts inspired and deflated• You want to understand why aspiration can be a roadmap rather than a reminder of inadequacyNote: We are re-sharing this popular episode while recovering from a family illness. Original air date: September 2, 2025.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who do you actually think of when you feel like giving up on your creative work?Not some aspirational figure pulled from a shelf, but the person who shows up in your mind, unbidden, when things feel too hard or too quiet or not enough.This week, I brought the topic and Breallyn only found out after the recording had begun. The question I asked sent each of us somewhere quite different: I thought of musicians whose lives and music became inseparable, precisely because of past trauma and adversity. Sam Baker, who rebuilt his career after a terrorist bombing left him with hearing loss and a mangled hand; Nathan Cavalieri, the guitar prodigy who found himself unable to get on stage due to crippling anxiety. Breallyn went somewhere quieter, to Melbourne writers with full lives and extraordinary creative output, and ultimately, to someone closer to home.Oh, and we also introduce you to our newest character, The Petty Postie! You might want to listen if:• You've ever found yourself thinking about another artist when you needed to get back to your own work• You've had to renegotiate what success looks like: or you're in the middle of doing that right now• You've wondered whether the hardest parts of your life are getting in the way of your art, or quietly shaping itSam Baker WebsiteNathan Cavaleri WebsiteRyan Adams OfficialPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean when your creative life goes quiet, when nothing's moving, nothing's landing, and the work that used to flow just... doesn't?Brea brought this concept to the table and it turned out to be quite fitting for the moment. Sitting in the studio late on a cold, winter's night with a couple of gin and tonics, I warmed up to this idea of 'creative winter'.In this episode, Brea talks about the season of dormancy. The stillness that feels like stagnation, the brutal pruning of projects or habits that can feel like loss, and the subterranean root growth you can’t see, but makes the next season possible.Put your headphones on if:Your work has stalled - and you're agonising over whether it's just a temporary season or a sign to pack it all in.You're suffering from 'season envy' - watching someone else hit their glorious creative summer while you're sitting in the dark, freezing.You know something needs to be pruned - a project, an old commitment, a bad habit. But you’ve been hanging onto it out of sentiment or guilt.You need permission to go dark for a bitPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually take to write a book with your best friend, across two continents, for years?This week we're joined by Dom Shorthouse and Shannon Davis from the podcast An Appropriate Amount of Soup, and things get wonderfully chaotic. Dom and Shannon co-authored a novel by sending chapters back and forth, each trying to outsmart, and occasionally sabotage, the other. Now they're both writing their own trilogies, Shannon has two self-published novels available on Amazon, and Dom is building a Dungeons & Dragons fine dining experience that has yet to receive a single booking.Warning: this episode contains a detailed analysis of wassail, a child calling a substitute teacher 'Whorehouse,' and a serious discussion about whether an appropriate amount of soup is actually achievable.You might want to listen if:• You've ever started a creative project with a friend and wondered who was actually doing the work• You're a writer trying to figure out how to grow an audience without surrendering your soul to the algorithm• You've been putting off the scary second half of a creative project (the part where you have to show it to people)Shannon has written a couple of great books.Humbuckle/Ramshackle - Read a sample hereThe Town In The North - Buy it hereCheck out Shannon and Dom's podcast - An Appropriate Amount of Soup Instagram @soup_podPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest thing standing in the way of your art is the story you keep telling yourself? This week on Pain In The Arts, we dive into the 'untrustworthy narrator' in our own heads and explore how outdated assumptions hold back our art practices and careers. We talk about separating your identity from your work, learning to say no, and fighting for your creative time. (Featuring a one-armed neighbour, a near-disastrous winery set, and a lesson on Main Character Energy).Listen if you:Suspect the voice in your head has been answering your creative questions using old, outdated data. Need a gentle push to stop talking yourself out of your next creative move and start protecting your time. Feel like you're navigating the gap between knowing what to do in your creative life and actually doing it. Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a creative household actually look like from the inside when you're the kid?We've been wanting to do this episode for a while and this week we finally got around to it, mostly because our guest was available after breakfast.Gray Wesley is 19, plays drums in Melbourne alt-metal band Mindstain, handles most of their bookings and social media, and also happens to be our son.  We chat about his jump from playing a childhood drum kit to booking gigs, handling venue logistics, and playing iconic stages like Revolver Upstairs. We discuss the reality of playing in Melbourne's underground music scene, the financial challenges of being a young artist, growing up in a creative home, and why the live music community matters more than ever.You might want to listen if:You're a young musician trying to figure out how bands actually workYou're a parent watching your kid navigate the arts and wondering what they're taking inYou've ever hauled a drum kit up a narrow staircase and questioned your life choicesPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is creativite expression a luxury — or has your brain been waiting for it all along?In this episode, Breallyn breaks down the fascinating neuroscience of the creative mind across an entire lifespan. From the hyperplastic minds of toddlers to menopausal brain fog, all the way to a 70-year-old jazz guitarist still lighting up a room, we trace what creativity actually does to the brain as we age.As it turns out, the thing you keep pushing to the very end of your daily to-do list might be exactly what your brain needs most!This episode is for you if:You're waiting for life to calm down before getting back to your art (spoiler: it won't).You are navigating perimenopause or menopause and want to reclaim your identity, focus, and mental clarity.You've written off learning something new because you think you're too old, too busy, or too set in your ways.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life has a way of making a mockery of your best intentions. We set out to do a Pain in the Arts health check and discovered that neither of us has touched a watercolour in weeks, but perhaps Brea has found a new obsession?We talk about where we're actually at with our creative projects, why the minor side quests have quietly stepped into the breach, and what happens when the chaos of school holidays, support worker changes, and a new assistance dog lands on top of everything else.We also get into calm marketing — whether we've actually been doing it, or just fooling ourselves — and what Lyndon found when he finally sat down to look at all the data.And we end up somewhere we didn't expect: on the importance of being kinder to yourself about how much you're actually doing, even when progress feels invisible.You might want to listen if:Your creative practice has been swallowed by school holidays, caregiving, or just lifeYou've been meaning to revisit your social media strategy but keep putting it offYou find yourself saying "I haven't done anything this week" and then remembering you actually did a lotYou like the idea of calm marketing but aren't sure if it's workingPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A short story wins a major literary prize. Everything looks normal - until it doesn't.We're getting into the AI literary scandals shaking up publishing this year. A magazine cutting ties with its own award, a bookstore chain's controversial new shelving policy and a Nobel laureate's confession about her writing process that's got us talking.Plus: our assistance dog Lacey, a notebook obsession reaching disturbing new heights, and a question we can't quite shake — what gets lost when a machine can pass as the author?You might want to listen if:You've wondered whether AI could actually write a novel worth readingYou're curious what a Nobel Prize winner really thinks about authors using AIYou like your publishing gossip served with a side of dog storiesPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the difference between making art and living artistically? And could that difference be the thing holding you back?This week Lyndon brings a topic Breallyn hasn't heard — a portrait of someone who never called herself an artist, but created more than almost anyone he's known. It turns into one of the most personal episodes they've made.They also somehow end up at futons, icebreaker questions, and the undercover security guard at Myer. It's that kind of conversation.You might want to listen if:You've quietly stopped calling yourself creativeYou wonder whether what you make is "serious" enough to countYou've lost someone whose way of living still teaches you thingsYou're carrying guilt about not creating enoughPain In The Arts is a weekly Australian podcast about creative life — as it happens. Hosted by Lyndon (musician, studio owner, producer, working guitarist) and Breallyn Wesley (copywriter, Masters in Creative Writing, writing her debut novel). One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a corporate day job actually save your creative freedom?Melbourne guitarist and digital marketer Neil Boland has spent years straddling two worlds — playing gigs on weekends, running SEO consultancies on weekdays, and funding his music career entirely through work that has nothing to do with music. He's part of what he calls the 99% of musicians who don't make a living from their instrument alone. And he's completely at peace with it.In this episode, Lyndon and Breallyn sit down with Neil to talk about the practical reality of building a creative life on a working wage - how a redundancy payout from a music store bought him his Martin guitar, how his corporate skills made him a better bandleader, and why the musicians who end up playing for big artists are often the ones who spent years playing other people's music in covers bands rather than waiting to be discovered.Neil also gets unexpectedly candid about not having it together as much as his Instagram suggests - recording this episode between day jobs, rebuilding a freelance consultancy in a tough economic climate, and still finishing an album in his spare time.Also in this episode: the correct side of the Yarra River, the flanno rule for band aesthetics, and a Vince Gill gig in Nashville that took twelve years to turn into a client lead.You might want to listen if:You have a day job and a creative life and you're not sure whether to feel guilty about thatYou're a musician, artist, or writer who wonders what it would actually take to fund your own workYou want to feel less alone in the gap between how your creative life looks online and how it actually feelsPain In The Arts is hosted by Lyndon — musician, studio owner, and producer - and Breallyn - copywriter and novelist in progress. New episodes every Tuesday.Want to know more about Neil? Click here Who Is This Neil Boland Character?Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is there such a massive gap between wanting to start a creative project and actually doing it? In this episode, we look at why over-engineered productivity systems and bullet journals can create a barrier to entry instead of helping you create. Lyndon shares his latest breakthrough: the 'Grail Method'—based on Perry Daniels' recent discovery, it's an Indiana Jones-inspired journaling framework that removes creative friction and helps builds momentum. Plus, we celebrate the arrival of Lacey, our new elite assistance dog, we break down how to beat the digital doom scroll and how to lower the stakes using hands-on making practices like furniture restoration and a campervan fit-out.Can we redesign our environment and build low-friction creative rituals? We are holding each other to a six-month accountability pact—tune in to see how you can join us!The Grail Method Watch Perry Daniels fab video herePain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a book change your life - or cost it? In this episode of Pain In The Arts, we explore the obsessive world of armchair treasure hunt books. It started with Kit Williams’s Masquerade, an illustrated book that hid a real gold hare in England and sparked a public frenzy. We trace the line from that creative invitation to the chaos that followed: Byron Preiss's twelve buried casks, France's golden owl, and the infamous Forrest Fenn chest - a million-dollar cache in the Rockies that drew 350,000 searchers and cost five lives. Discover what happens when art becomes a real-world obsession, plus a look into personal creative quests, from airport runway lamps to a Tarago campervan fit-out.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent studio session ended on a flat note - not because anything went wrong, exactly, but because unfinished songs met outside ears too soon. From that, Lyndon unpacks an idea he's been sitting with for years: the studio as a sacred space - a safe environment where artists can experiment, make mistakes, and collaborate freely, without the burden of premature feedback. Breallyn brings her own version of the same instinct from writing and theater. It's a conversation about creative process, the vocabulary gap between insiders and outsiders, and knowing when to finally open the door.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally released on November 25, 2025, and we're re-releasing it today due to an outbreak of flu rampaging our home — hope you enjoy the chat with Brett!Lyndon and Breallyn chat with Brett Wood, one of Australia's finest blues guitarists and long-time collaborator with Pete Murray. Brett shares his remarkable journey from a passionate young guitarist who wrote fan letters to Tommy Emmanuel, to becoming a respected session and touring musician, and now launching his solo career as a singer-songwriter.The conversation explores Brett's nearly two-decade partnership with Pete Murray—including his contributions to the acclaimed Blue Sky Blue album—his fourteen years with Melbourne rock band Electric Mary, and the inspiration behind his debut single "Real Piece of Work."Brett shares candid insights about working with legendary drummer Chris Layton and the vulnerability of releasing his own material after years as a supporting musician.An engaging, deeply musical conversation about artistry, mentorship and life in the Australian music scene.Connect with Brett WoodWebsite: www.brettwood.comSocial Media: @brettwoodmusic (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who gets to be called an artist? Turns out the reason you've always thought of quilts as 'just craft' and oil paintings as 'real art' has less to do with skill, and more to do with who was allowed to hold a brush. This week, Breallyn unpacks the gender and race politics behind art history — what gets called Art with a capital A, and what gets called 'a nice hobby' and why women artists so rarely made it into the first category.Along the way: Persian rug weavers who sing the pattern into existence, the Black American women who stitched Underground Railroad escape routes into quilts and hung them in plain sight, and what it means that those codes were invisible to the very people trying to stop them.Also: a birthday getaway that turned out to be the coldest day of the year in rural Victoria, Australia, a magnificent antique emporium that's sadly been closed for a decade, and the quiet return of a sound around the house that Breallyn had noticed was gone.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gretta Ziller grew up on a farm in regional Victoria playing violin at three, bagpipes at boarding school, and singing opera at Melbourne Uni — before her sister put on a Garth Brooks album and changed everything. Now she's an Americana artist doing it entirely on her own terms.In this episode, Gretta breaks down what Americana actually is, why she'd rather sell you a $2 download than earn .003 cents on a Spotify stream, and what it took to co-write a song a week for an entire year. Oh, and there's a new Chihuahua named Eleanor Rigby.Visit Gretta Ziller onlinePain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Erik Parker has been a lot of things — guitarist, vocalist, live sound engineer, recording producer, guitar teacher, Nirvana tribute act, Satanic gospel cabaret performer, and teenage busker in the Frankston Mall. He joins us to talk about what a music career actually looks like when the work keeps shifting and expanding: the burnout, the reinvention, the collaborations you have to book before the beer is finished, and why he had to learn to get nervous again.It's also a reunion — Erik was one of Lyndon's guitar students about 30 years ago — so there's a warmth and honesty here that goes deeper than the usual career chat. We cover grief, performance anxiety, the wedding gig where he refused to learn a Snow Patrol song (and then absolutely had to learn it), and the night his LPG gas tank fell off his car on the Calder Freeway, closing the freeway and ending a run of Adelaide gigs before they'd even begun.You might want to listen if:• You’re a working musician trying to figure out how to sustain a career without burning out• You need someone to tell you it’s okay to still be figuring it out• You’ve ever had a gas tank fall off your car on the Western Ring Road!Find Erik Parker on InstagramPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Lyndon and Breallyn on this episode of 'Pain In The Arts' as they explore the cost of constant connectivity. Inspired by author Jay Kristoff's bold advice for creatives, we dive into why putting down your phone and resisting the "misery machine" of modern technology is essential for artistic growth. We also discuss the shifting role of AI in the creative process—from the use of tools like Suno to historical debates on technological disruption in art—alongside the usual personal updates, including Bunnings adventures and exciting news about our new puppy, Lacey.Transcript available herePain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is creativity a gift for the few, or a fundamental human energy we all possess? This week, Lyndon and Breallyn explore the work of Australian designer Ben Rennie and his book, Lessons in Creativity: Stories and Strategies to Cultivate Your Creative Confidence.We dive into why 'creativity' isn't actually 'art,' but an energy we can all access. By focusing on two specific pillars—curiosity and generosity—we discuss how to dismantle 'scarcity thinking' and the fear that ideas are a limited resource.From finding inspiration in the details of a seashell to the bravery of sharing unfinished work, we look at how an abundance mindset can transform your creative agency. If you’ve ever felt like you 'weren't an artist,' this conversation is for you.Ben Rennie websitePain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally released on October 28, 2025, and we're re-releasing it today due to the Easter break disrupting our usual scheduling — hope you enjoy it if you missed it the first time around!In this episode, Breallyn and I discuss the essential role that hobbies and side projects play in a creative life. From my own cat-trapping adventures to furniture restoration and some pretty spectacular lapidary failures, we talk through how low-stakes creative outlets can actually prevent burnout and make your main artistic work better. We get into the paradox of needing distractions from your art in order to make better art, the very real danger of accidentally raising the bar on a hobby until it stops being fun, and why that calm, clear creative headspace often shows up at the worst possible moment.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Pain In The Arts, where the pursuit of meaningful art meets the unpredictable demands of real life. In an era often described as a 'dumpster fire,' how do creative individuals maintain their sanity and continue their work? This week, Brea and Lyndon discuss the challenges of staying informed without losing your mind and explore how sensitive, big-hearted creatives can gather their energy to keep fighting the good fight. Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Momentum exists, and it’s going to latch onto something—the question is, what?" In this episode, Lyndon and Breallyn explore the neutral force of momentum and how the "drifting" of daily life often carries artists away from their true creative goals. Inspired by the blunt insights of Grammy-winning producer Billy Hume, it's a look at the work ethic required to keep your art moving forward when life tries to pull you off course.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to make anything in an attention economy that never seems satisfied?In this episode of Pain In The Arts, Lyndon and Breallyn wander through the strange theatre of making work online - where everyone’s performing, the algorithm is always hungry, and it’s not entirely clear who you’re supposed to be talking to anymore. Along the way, they compare the high-output churn of the manosphere to the slower, more observational approach of Louis Theroux.Somewhere in the middle of it all, another idea takes shape: maybe the answer isn’t to shout louder, but to step aside. To build something smaller, quieter, and more deliberate.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the question holding artists back isn’t “Is this good?” but the habit of asking it at all?In this episode of Pain In The Arts, Lyndon and Breallyn explore a reframe inspired by Samuel Mead: replacing “Is this good?” with “Is this good for me?” The “Is This Good For Me” question shifts attention away from external approval and back toward the artist’s own experience of making the work.Visit Samuel Mead's websitePain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your creative project stalls and the doubts start racing in, how do you find your way back to the work? This week Lyndon and Breallyn explore the idea of slow art: embracing the process, sitting with doubt, and trusting the work even when progress has ground to a halt. Breallyn shares an account of her writing project losing momentum, and what a visit to Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden in Marysville revealed about what it looks like to build a creative life — and rebuild it — over decades. From Tolkien’s 12-year road to Middle Earth to the feeling of being “gorged out” by too much beauty at once, this episode is a gentle reminder that the best things rarely arrive in a hurry.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to show up — not just for your art, but for yourself? Inspired by artist Michael David Mayo — "the most important art I make isn't on canvas, it's the way I speak to myself, the way I choose to meet each day" — Lyndon and Breallyn discuss the concept of mental hygiene for creatives: the deliberate, daily practice of shaping your mindset the same way you'd shape a piece of art.Michael David Mayo on InstagramPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like the laundry, the school runs, and the endless to-do list are stealing time from your creative work? In this episode of Pain in the Arts, Lyndon and Breallyn explore how to reframe the "busywork" of everyday life. Can those daily chores actually help us and how do repetitive, low-demand tasks quietly trigger creative breakthroughs? It's a fresh, practical perspective on finding meaning in the mundane - and letting it fuel your art.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to your goals when life completely changes? In this episode, Lyndon and Breallyn explore goal setting—but not in the way you might expect. They share how a decade ago they stopped planning for the future entirely, and why. When their daughter Birdie was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, their goals shifted from creative ambitions to survival. They discuss the "impossible goals" they pursued around her communication and the miraculous shifts that have emerged. A conversation about disability, parenting, and finding your way back to the future.Content note: This episode discusses disability, parenting a child with complex medical and neuropsychiatric needs, and statistics around vulnerability for girls with intellectual disabilities.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your creative window hasn't actually closed - it's just opening in a different way? In this episode, Lyndon and Breallyn tackle the pressure artists feel to achieve success by a certain age. But instead of accepting that timeline, Breallyn offers a radical reframe: what if past, present, and future are all happening right now? She explores how different cultures perceive time and introduces a 'time travel' thought experiment that could change how you approach your art - and possibly your life. Featuring the wisdom of Leanne Morgan and a surprising, unqualified foray into quantum physics.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you drowning in "micro-decisions"? In the Season 2 premiere of Pain In The Arts, Lyndon and Breallyn explore why the smallest daily choices - from returning camping gear to hardware store runs - can sap the mental energy needed to show up for your craft. After a summer of extreme weather and evacuations, they discuss the idea of "strategic stillness" and whether routines or rituals are the best way to protect your creative space. It’s a conversation about clearing the mental clutter so you can return to the art that reinvigorates you.The Travelling ProfessorPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon and Breallyn are once again joined by Dulgubarra-Yidinji writer Skye Cusack to talk writing, culture, and creative momentum. Skye reflects on the journey of her second book, Checked Out, including an emotionally intense return to Country and time spent reconnecting with her heritage and family.They also touch on her debut novel, The Dangers of Just One Person, and Skye shares a glimpse into her current work-in-progress—a new horror manuscript. It’s a conversation about writing, cultural connection and finding humour in the unpredictable rhythms of creative life.Skye Cusack on ABCThe Dangers Of Just One Person - by Skye Cusack https://www.instagram.com/magabalabooksPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're officially back from camping - and yes, we have plenty of mozzie bites and stories to tell once we're back in the studio - but while we’re technically still on our summer break, we wanted to revisit this conversation from April 8th, 2025.In this episode, Brea and I dive into the 'Deep Work' debate. We’ve all heard that rigidly scheduled, uninterrupted blocks of time are the only way to get real work done, but we wanted to see if there’s room for a more flexible flow. Do we actually need those massive windows of time to be creative?We explore the stress that kicks in when a dedicated creative window gets unexpectedly cut short, and we contrast the 'Deep Work' concept with the more fluid, inspiration-driven side of making art. We also talk about mental preparation, the frustration of losing momentum, and whether years of experience can eventually help you create meaningful work in shorter, sharper bursts.Full Transcript: https://paininthearts.life/index.php/transcript/ep-15-the-deep-work-dilemma-finding-focus-in-creative-chaos/Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this re-release, we wanted to revisit a conversation that feels more relevant every day. We sat down with Ricki Wood—a seasoned musician who has spent years touring Australia—to tackle the one thing most of us artists dread: self-promotion.We got into the weeds of how to actually get your work seen without sacrificing your sanity (or your soul) to social media. Ricki shared his experience booking gigs across the country, and we talked a lot about the power of authenticity and integrity. His approach is less about chasing "viral moments" or algorithm approval and more about building a sustainable career through real-world connections and genuine relationships.Whether you’re a musician or a creator in another field, we hope this chat offers some clarity on how to connect with your audience without losing yourself in the process.Get the transcript https://paininthearts.life/index.php/transcript/ep-19-beyond-likes-sustainable-self-promotion-for-independent-musicians/More from Ricki Woodhttp://www.rickiwood.comhttps://rickiwood.bandcamp.com/Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re currently away camping, so we’re opening the vault to give you a sneak peek of our bonus feed. Backstage Banter is where we keep the raw conversations usually reserved for our members.This first episode covers Brea's 5-cubic-meter 'mulch mountain' driveway fiasco, a coffee-ordering saga that makes me sound like a total Boomer, and the day a ranger showed up to reclaim a cat trap while I was out of town. We also touch on some Grand Final heartbreak and a poorly timed birthday migraine.If you enjoy this unfiltered side of the show, come join us on Patreon!This episode was originally aired as a Patreon Exclusive on 15/11/2025 Thanks for hanging out with us backstage. Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We wrestle with whether we can curate our lives as we go, or only recognize the shape of it when we look back."We are currently away from the studio for a few weeks - trading the microphones for the sounds of the bush on a summer camping trip - so we wanted to take this opportunity to re-share a conversation that remains one of our most meaningful.In this heavy yet heartfelt episode, we step into deeper waters to reflect on the life and legacy of our dear friend, Salima. We explore the idea that every life—intentionally or not—becomes a living work of art. From grief to philosophy, from memory to meaning, we wrestle with whether we can truly curate our lives as we go, or if we can only recognize the shape of them when we look back.This episode was originally released on 14/04/2025.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrate a full year of Pain In The Arts as Lyndon and Brea look back on 52 weeks of creative pursuit. Revisit the moments that resonated most, including their most popular episode, "Is Life Art?" (remembering Salima), and the high-energy session with writer Dom Shorthouse. From the professional highs of touring with Gretta Ziller and playing festival stages to the precarious repairs of a vintage Jayswan camper, the duo discusses the beauty of fitting art into the chaotic reality of real life. Plus, a look at their growing Patreon community and what’s in store for 2026.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What gives you permission to take the riskier creative choice? In this episode, Lyndon and Brea explore that question with Dom—a chef, author, and social entrepreneur who's lived by the principle that the bolder option is almost always the better one, whether in music, art, or life itself. They discuss why taking risks matters even when there's no audience, no stakes, nothing to lose but time—and why sometimes the most worthwhile creative act is one you do purely for yourself. From co-writing a novel with a friend to moving to Cambodia, Dom shares how embracing the uncomfortable—and trusting that it might matter, even if you never see the impact—has become the through-line of his life. A conversation about permission, creativity, and the riskier path forward.Dom Shorthouse on Instagram @domshorthouseRyan Wasoba on Instagram @ryanwasobaListen to Ryan Wasoba's 19 Second Songs Vol 1 here: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/19-second-songs-vol-1-ep/1454192831If you've enjoyed this episode please share it with a friend!Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon and Breallyn mark their 50th episode with a low-key celebration and turn their attention to the crush of Christmas - end-of-year events, family gatherings, school break-ups, gifts, obligations, all piling into the calendar. They talk about how these commitments can derail creative routines, unsettle the rhythm of the work, and crowd out the hours artists fight to protect. But they also trace the other side of it: why these occasions exist, why humans need them, and how communal moments—messy as they can be - remain vital to our wellbeing.If you know someone who'd love this episode, feel free to share it! Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lyndon and Breallyn swap the pressure of "making it big" for the peace of finding your ‘place’. Lyndon shares his recent experience at the Troubadour Weekend at the Burke and Wills Winery, which offered a fresh perspective on what it really means to be an artist. They discuss the exhausting advice creators often hear—like needing a "gimmick" or a "hit song"—and why that competitive, individualistic mindset can be so damaging.We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a review - it just might help another artist find their community!More about Ceri Hand here https://cerihand.comPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon and Breallyn chat with Brett Wood, one of Australia's finest blues guitarists and long-time collaborator with Pete Murray. Brett shares his remarkable journey from a passionate young guitarist who wrote fan letters to Tommy Emmanuel, to becoming a respected session and touring musician, and now launching his solo career as a singer-songwriter.The conversation explores Brett's nearly two-decade partnership with Pete Murray—including his contributions to the acclaimed Blue Sky Blue album—his fourteen years with Melbourne rock band Electric Mary, and the inspiration behind his debut single "Real Piece of Work." Brett shares candid insights about working with legendary drummer Chris Layton and the vulnerability of releasing his own material after years as a supporting musician.An engaging, deeply musical conversation about artistry, mentorship and life in the Australian music scene.Connect with Brett WoodWebsite: www.brettwood.comSocial Media: @brettwoodmusic (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dulgubarra-Yidinji writer, journalist, and marketer Skye Cusack joins the podcast to share her unique and inspiring creative journey. Skye details her powerful path from being unhoused as a teenager to becoming a copywriter, buying her first house, and landing a major publishing contract for her debut novel. She opens up about discovering her authentic voice, tackling heavy themes like cultural disconnection and mental health in her work. Skye also discusses surviving multiple manuscript rewrites and shares the tale of a lone Suzuki Swift, floating down Broome's own Chinatown.Skye Cusack on ABCThe Dangers Of Just One Person - by Skye CusackPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon and Brea explore creative routines versus spontaneity, examining how different artists work - from Jack Kerouac's three-week feverish writing sprint to Haruki Murakami's unwavering 4am schedule. Through examples including Jackson Pollock's action painting and Stephen King's 2000-words-every-day discipline, they unpack the science behind routine (reduced decision fatigue, incremental creativity) and spontaneity (the incubation effect, breakthrough moments). Lyndon shares his studio approach of capitalizing on spontaneous ideas, while Brea reveals her struggle to abandon household tasks when inspiration strikes.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon shares his first bass gig experience in tiny Patchewollock before celebrating crucial news: the Australian government has protected copyright laws from AI data mining. Lyndon and Brea discuss the Productivity Commission's controversial proposal, what authors like Hannah Kent and Tim Winton have already had stolen, and why this matters for culture beyond economics. They explore what artists need going forward and conclude with Brea's hopeful vision for a future that values human-made content.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon and Breallyn explore the essential role of hobbies and side projects in creative life. From cat-trapping adventures to furniture restoration and failed lapidary attempts, they discuss how low-stakes creative outlets prevent burnout and actually improve your main artistic work. The conversation covers the paradox of needing distractions from your art to make better art, the danger of raising the bar on hobbies, and why that calm creative clarity always seems to hit at the worst possible time.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Visual artist Kirrily Anderson continues her conversation with Lyndon and Breallyn about the realities of professional art practice. She discusses how moving from Melbourne to regional Victoria transformed her creative process, the exhausting pressure of social media marketing, and managing the business side of art. Kirrily shares honest insights on seeking validation, working with communities on public art projects, knowing when to stop tweaking, and why connecting with other creatives is essential.Visit Kirrily's WebsitePain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyndon and Breallyn chat with visual artist Kirrily Anderson about the transition from Melbourne street art to nature-inspired murals in regional Victoria. Kirrily shares insights on navigating community consultations, managing the business side of public art commissions, and finding creative space in country living. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing multiple income streams, dealing with burnout, and learning when to say no to opportunities while building a sustainable art practice.See more from Kirrily AndersonPain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your craft keeps improving, but the art world’s clock keeps ticking? Lyndon and Breallyn unpack the mid-career artist dilemma—too good to quit, yet somehow too old to be “emerging.” They talk about the art world’s unspoken timelines that leave little space for detours: caregiving, raising a family, or finding your calling later in life. It’s also a conversation about the hidden labour behind creative careers, and the families quietly making them possible.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What truly defines a creative workspace? Breallyn and Lyndon explore the reality of where art is made, referencing the call for "A Room of One's Own" alongside famous examples like Roald Dahl's writing hut and the house that became Motown. They dive into how diverse environments actively shape and inform the art that gets produced. It's a candid look at the powerful relationship between space and creativity, concluding the best place to create is simply wherever you are.Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who'd love it.Support the show on Patreon:patreon.com/painintheartslifeSubscribe and listen:Follow on your favourite podcast app or visit paininthearts.lifeSocials:Insta: @painintheartslifeFB: painintheartslifeTheme music by Lyndon WesleyProduced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.