Favourites

Despite well over 50 years as a singer/songwriter, Ralph McTell, now a great-grandfather is remains youthful, witty, charming, and polite. It was a pleasure to interview him for Favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded via Zoom in December 2025, the first five minutes of the interview were sadly lost. Nonetheless Josh Groban was his charming, good natured self in this chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2010 I had a different podcast in which I interviewed guests and also aired the chats on 3AW when I filled in hosting the overnights programs for Keith McGowan and Alan Pearsall. On 24 Sep, 2010 I was lucky enough to interview Toni Lamond. The previous podcast feed has long gone, so with Toni's passing on Nov 29, 2025 I thought I'd share it here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just prior to commencing a three month tour, Rick Price spends some time with Simon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon catches up with crooner Patrizio Buanne, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary since the release of his first album. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Cliff Richard joins me to talk about his career and Aussie Connections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gilbert O'Sullivan is an Irish singer-songwriter who achieved his most significant success during the early 1970s with hits including "Alone Again (Naturally)", "Clair" and "Get Down". His songs are often marked by his distinctive, percussive piano playing style and observational lyrics using word play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Puckett is an American singer who shot to fame in 1968 and is still selling out shows over 55 years later. He is widely known as the lead vocalist for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, who had six consecutive gold records in 1968, including "Woman Woman", "Young Girl", "Lady Willpower", "Over You". "Don't Give In to Him" and "This Girl Is a Woman Now"At the time this podcast went live, 12 Feb, 2025, Gary was touring Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It takes a special kind of person to create a character which stands the test of time, Barry Humphries did with Dame Edna, Mark Mitchell's Con the Fruiterer is another. And Mark Trevorrow's BOB DOWNE is simply brilliant. Polyester and Nostalgia. all wrapped up in one great package. Please get yourself a cup of maxwell house and a few Arnott's butternut snaps, sit back and enjoy my chat with the fabulous Mark Trevorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discovered and mentored by Johnny O'Keefe. Jade Hurly is still performing aged 81 and shows no signs of slowing down. Here, the colourful rocker was kind enough to find time to speak to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Swanee talks about the hard times of his youth he isn't looking for sympathy. Likewise, When he talks about his successes he isn't bragging, and when he talks about helping those in need he isn't looking for accolades. But he deserves them. John Swan may be the most thoroughly decent person I've had the pleasure of interviewing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Evans has had a remarkable career from his award winning days as a disc jockey, his legendary hosting of TV show Perfect Match, and marrying over 1000 couples as a marriage celebrant. Hear a small part of Greg's Story here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emigrating to Australia in his teens, John fell in love with us, and we fell in love with him. It's a love story that continues to this day and sees John touring the east coast with a new show. "Radio Luxembourg Live". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 92, Marcy Schneider reflects on her amazing career including being the first act to record a rock and roll record in Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Byrne has written a fabulous series of Remember When books after a lengthy career in radio. Hear his story here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Adams is the writer and host of the Australian true crime and historical podcast "Forgotten Australia". He has also published many books, the latest being "They'll Never Hold Me" The incredulous story of Kevin John Simmonds who was the subject of Australia's largest ever Police Manhunt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was during this interview that I found out that Peter Combe was behind a very memorable part of my primary school education.Peter's new album is available now. https://open.spotify.com/album/5G9j3dFSH8uu8aY58LVYSr?si=c69zCs5kQEKxUYAfAAiPng Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's amazing how many nice people I continue to meet. I reached out to Craig Huggins to see if he would appear on Favourites. Not only did he agree, we recorded this episode in his studio at Gold while he missed out on the Superbowl despite his team playing in it. Enjoy Huggy's story from growing up in Coburg to discovering his passion for radio and his surprising collection of one particular tv show memorabilia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Fleming broke away from acapella group "The Phones" with fellow band-mate Rusty Berther to form one of the great comedy groups of the 1990s The Scared Weird Little Guys. But what happened before and after? Have a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From his days as a 60s pop icon, to movie host, to tribute artist, Issi Dye has moved seamlessly through his career constantly adapting and always succeeding. So many have come and gone, yet Issi is still performing to this day and shows no signs of slowing down. Have a listen and you'll understand why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Brady is a classic example of a "10 pound pom" done good. Arriving in Australia he fell in love with the guitar and discovered he had an amazing talent. Successful bands followed, as did solo work, he has penned so many classic advertising jingles and was a successful talk-back radio host for many years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know Normie Rowe was the King of Pop, then that career was killed off when he was sent off to Vietnam, and despite the Anti-Vietnam Vet attitude of the 70s he has still managed to forge a successful career, but what else do you know about Normie? Have a listen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan Nottle is the best example I can think of when I hear the phrase "give until it hurts". The recording of this interview was delayed because Brendan found someone who was in need of help at the time we were booked in to record. Then he apologised to ME as if delaying this mattered. There honestly should be a statue to him somewhere but you'd never hear him agree to it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Willis has notched up a 40 year association with 3AW this year, having joined the station in 1983. He was kind enough to spend some time reminiscing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the reasons I got into radio was listening to this amazing talent on 3AW in the 1980s. His wit and talent in his roles on 3AW and Hey Hey it's Saturday were endless. Dickie Knee was like the cheeky brother I never had. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can't categorise Tim Fergusson. His work as one of the Doug Anthony Allstars was brilliant, but he has many strings to his bow. Teacher of comedy, writer, lecturer, artist, producer, tv host, radio host and almost a politician. Above all else he's a nice guy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come on down to hear a great chat with a very funny man. John Deeks is name we all know with a voice we all know with a great sense of humour and quick wit that we all appreciate. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I look up to many people in the Melbourne Entertainment, Television and Radio industries. And all of those people look up to this man. Pete Smith is a true icon. Check out his podcast "From The Hideout" after listening to this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Ceberano is truly multi-talented. With a career spanning decades in the music industry, Kate has turned her hand to so many other things and succeeded in them all. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eternally youthful, John Foreman still looks like a year twelve student but has a long and varied showbiz career under his belt and shows no signs of slowing down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musician, Actor, Personality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Nankervis seems to effortlessly breeze through life being entertaining, fascinating, and easy to talk to. Today is no different. What a delight it was to chat with him Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Phillips worked on In Melbourne Tonight, The Don Lane Show, Hey Hey it's Saturday, Tonight Live with Steve Vizard and a plethora of other shows. . He actually needs his own podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Levi is perhaps best known as Elliot Goblet who shot to fame in the 1980s and to this day remains in demand as a corporate speaker and comedian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marty Rose has forged a decades long career in the Australian music scene. There are few of his ilk that have achieved this longevity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Bedwell's career has seen great highs and great lows. Steve talks about where it all went right and also those times where it went wrong. His story of the stunt he did with Adam Hills is something you have to hear to believe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell Morris is a legend and survivor who has navigated the highs and lows that the rock/pop world throws at all artists. We talk here about his Real Thing Symphonic Concert and Album and delve into his favourite things in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Smith is a friend and former colleague who has many talents. We talk here about his new book "Good as Gold" and delve into his favourite things in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.