Vision Quest

In episode 33, Ashley talks to comedian, dog walker and all around gem Hannah Arbuthnott! They talk about their mutual dislike of bugs, Hannah's experience going through "puberty part two-berty" as T changes his voice, the beloved Brendan Fraser and Hannah's topic for the week: Cat Training! They explain how good it is for cat's to be walked, how dogs and cats are quite different and they both giggle through pretty much the whole episode.

In episode 32 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to dear friend, comedian, writer and CO-HOST of the new podcast Call An Adult, Hayley Tantau! They talk about their mutual love of being in water, eating lipsmackers and Hayley's topic for the episode: Comfort Shows / Re-Watching TV - they get into the shows they love to re-watch, what they think drives someone to watch shows repeatedly, and give a sneak peak and their new podcast where they recap every single episode of Pretty Little Liars, Call An Adult!

In episode 31 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to old friend, theatre maker, actor, director and all round perfect human being Lucy Rees! They discuss meeting at university and continuing their friendship in the Melbourne comedy community, whether therapists can live in the city of their patients and Lucy's topic for the episode: Student Theatre! They discuss how their experiences in student theatre changed their lives, their favourite shows in student theatre, and what Lucy's life has been like working in and attempting to keep the La Trobe student theatre going.

In episode 30 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to sketch comedian, writer, fellow improviser Scott Limbrick! They discuss their experiences reluctantly talking to people they admire, the majesty that is Sims Custom Content, and Scott's topic for the episode: Scams/Con-Artists/Heists. He educates Ashley about various famous scams in history, Ashley shares a story or a Real Life Con-Artist she knew, and they figure out what is and what isn't a heist.

In episode 29 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to superstar comedian, writer, theatre maker and winner of Best Newcomer at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Charlie Zangel! They talk about the magical feeling in liminal theatre spaces, their Meyers Briggs Personality Test results and their mutual admiration for great simple song writing - and they get into the topic for the week which to no ones surprise is Musical Theatre. They rank their top 5 musicals, share horror stories of things going wrong on stage, and discuss their dream roles.

In episode 28 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to superstar singer, actor, and musical theatre performer Zenya Carmellotti! They bond over their mutual understanding of what they wanted to do from a young age, how wonderful Zenya's mum is and Zenya's invention of "pregnancy mints" as a lying child - and lets not forget Zenya's topic for the episode: Jim Henson's Labyrinth! They get into the problematic subtext of the film, the music and how they feel about it today.

This week, Ashley welcomes the first pair to the podcast, sketch and improv comedy duo Cool & Smart (Barney Pollock & Matt Young)! They get into how Barney's A-W "turbo brain" and Matt's ability to find connections is a strength in their work together, the joy released when watching sports vs doing escape rooms and their topic for the week (and first repeat topic, ooooh), books! Barney and Matt talk about earnestly liking books enough to start a podcast about them, they all discuss their ideal reading situation, self help books and what makes a book bad.

In episode 26 of Vision Quest, Ashley pals around with kindred spirit, comedian and all round legend Maddy Weeks! They talk about Maddy's asthma getting in the way of all their childhood dreams, how tram inspectors are dogs and Maddy tells the weirdest/best childhood story so far on the podcast - followed by their excellent topic for the week: Op Shops/Thrift Stores! Maddy breaks down their sword collection, creepy dolls and more!

In episode 25 of Vision Quest, Ashley blabs on about about her most true and wholesome love: The Jonas Brothers. She goes into their backstory, her trajectory as a fan and why they're good boys who you should love and respect too.

In episode 24 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to artist/comedian/musician and friend Justin Kosisky about the dream of working for SNL, Justin's admiration for his bosses and feeling like you're in a version of The Truman show. And they get into Justin's topic: his belief that Everybody Is An Artist! They dissect how when money is tied to creative endeavours it can kill the passion for it, ways to find creativity in every day life and Art Attack.

In episode 23 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to activist, writer and LA pal Samantha Antrum about their mutual musical theatre dreams, interior design and Sam's childhood obsession with birth videos. And of course, they get into Sam's topic for the episode: Activism / Racial & Social Justice! Sam talks about her experience growing up black in a predominantly white community, how she found her passion for activism in college and how white supremacy makes everything worse.

In episode 21 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to old pal, impov/sketch comedian Andy Vega about his parallel's with High School Musical's Troy Bolton, having "dirt wars" in the desert as a child and how much Andy loves his friends. And they get into Andy's topic for the episode: Short Form Improv! They discuss the rivalry between short and long form, which games they played as kids and Andy tells some stories about performing short form as a teenager.

In this episode of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to kindred spirit, sketch comedian and improviser Katie Currie about Steve Irwin, their mutual love of Twilight, Katie collecting bones as a child and the topic for the episode: Sleepovers! They get into how "childlike wonder" shouldn't end when you grow up, the slumber party phenomenon that was the Family Computer and the smash hit 2004 tween movie, Sleepover.

In episode 20 or Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her beloved friend, jewellery maker, improviser, podcast co-host, yoga teacher and overall dynamo Mollie Adolf! They discuss how yoga changed Mollie's life, both having questionable methods of exploring sexuality as children and their favourite conspiracy theories. Of course, Mollie unpacks her topic: Yoga, Crystals & Spirituality - she goes into why people shouldn't be judgemental of these practices, she and Ashley explore their bond based on astrology, and Mollie shares some expertise on particular crystals.

In episode 19 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to videographer, podcast host and documentarian Yoel Aynalem about LA culture, the toxic nature of workplace expectations in the entertainment industry and why Oprah should be president, as well as Yoel's topic for the episode: Documentaries! This being their first virtual meeting, they recommend their favourite documentaries to one another, discuss the Tiger King phenomenon and Yoel gives some great advice for any future documentarians out there.

In episode 18 of Vision Quest, Ashley welcomes her dear friend, hilarious YouTuber Ally Sheehan into her sweet embrace for a special in person episode. They discuss Ally's love of working at her U.S summer camp, their yearly friendship traditions and the root of their relationship: The Jonas Brothers. And of course, they get into Ally's topic, Summerland (the 2004 smash hit TV show but not really but they love it anyway). The pair get into every notable guest star, discuss the plot and characters, and keep going on about Australia's own Cameron Daddo.

In episode 17 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her beautiful friend and social media mogul Victoria Chang about Victoria's obsession with coffee shops, their mutual love of musical theatre and their imaginary friends as children. And of course, Victoria's topic for the week: Mental Health. Having an open an honest discussion about therapy, medication, social media and some ways to manage a healthy mind through the pandemic.

In episode 16 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her hilarious friend and fellow improvisor, the whip smart, incredibly kind writer/comedian Jenni Townsend about their parallel experiences living in Los Angeles, their admiration for people who make things for their own enjoyment and being cruel as children. Then, Jenni breaks Ashley's brain by introducing her to the online cult phenomenon that was Unus Annus - a YouTube channel that existed for only one year, with the sole purpose of disappearing forever and leaving it's viewers in amazement.

In the final episode of 2020, Ashley opens up about her struggles with rheumatoid/psoriatic arthritis and chronic pain as a way to let all the negativity of this year go, in the spirit of being authentic and potentially providing an honest perspective for those who want to learn more (or are struggling to find information about CP from someone who has experienced it). She goes over her personal timeline, diagnosis and progression of her CP, the current status of her CP, the things no one tells you about chronic pain, some useful tips for anyone suffering with CP, some tips for anyone who has a loved one with CP, and shares some online resources that help her.

In Episode 14, Ashley has her first ever in-person guest - comedian, artist and all around excellent human being Erin Michelle! They discuss how they met via zoom trivia in lockdown, trusting yourself, and Erin's love and respect for musician Grimes - and of course Erin's topic for the episode: Changing Your Mind. Erin explains how important it is to her to have an open mind, her perspective as someone who has been both religious and an atheist, and they discuss the importance of letting go of things you once thought were meant for you.

In this episode of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her beloved friend/sibling/lover, writer/improviser/sketch comedian Jayden Masciulli about how they are pretty much the same person in two separate bodies, their mutual obsession with Spy Kids as children and how Schitt's Creek has given people a positive version of the classic coming out story. And of course, they get into Jayden's topic for the episode: The "Harry Potter" Franchise. They get into the controversy of She Who Must Not Be Named, separating art from the artist and sorting female pop icons into Hogwarts Houses.

In Episode 12 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to the incredible genuine, thoughtful and hilarious comedian, writer, cartoonist, Josh Chodziesner about their mutual love of Chicago, the sad catchphrases they spat out as children and a relentless bit about eggs. Josh then delves into his topic for the episode, what he calls "unexceptional-ness" (and yes, he is trademarking this term so please credit him if you use it, kind regards). The two friends discuss the importance of staying in your lane, doing things for the sake of being happy and grounded, and past experiences where their motivations behind goals haven't lined up with their needs.

In Episode 11 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to her whimsical, awe inspiring friend, writer/actor Heather "Hetty" Pasquazzi. They talk about meeting at UCB, Hetty's resilience after facing two life changing events in her youth, the beautiful feeling of seeing a movie alone and Hetty's topic for the episode: Vampires. They discuss which lore is which, whether or not they would choose to be immortal if they could, and how Bella from Twilight is not a protagonist.

In episode 10 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to old pal, kindred spirit, music producer and creative wizard YAAK (aka Jacob Trad) about the origin of their decade+ friendship, Jacob's proclivity to pee in open spaces as a child, and a whole lot of tangents - and of course, Jacob's topic for the episode; Creativity. He asks "do you think creativity is learned or innate" and Ashley does a loud burp (and more).

In episode 9 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to the creative, genuine, hardworking YouTuber, food blogger and podcaster Amanda Ducks. They discuss how much has changed since they met years ago, seeming strange to parents at birthday parties, the value in being emotionally available and Amanda's topic for the week: The "Survivor" Franchise! Amanda educates Ashley on just how in depth the strategic aspects of the show have developed and changed over time, goes into how the show has handled some scandalous moments and how her next big dream after accomplishing being a full time YouTuber is to become a contestant on Survivor Australia. This episode will truly make anyone a diehard Survivor fan after you hear what Amanda has to say!

In episode 8 of Vision Quest, Ashley talks to dear friend, the hilarious, open, earnest comedian and writer Lena Moon about their old podcast (Teenage Squeam), making out with a stuffed toy as a child and Lena's topic of choice for the week: The First Wives Club. She educated Ashley on how the film shaped her as a woman, how it taught her to value female friendships and the significance they can have on a person, and shares her obsession with Diane Keaton.

In Episode 7 of Vision Quest, Ashley speaks to her guest all the way in Vancouver, Canada - the cool, adventurous and funny Duncan Peat, screenwriter and podcast co-host. They discuss what they want to happen to their bodies when they die, the many lives of Ernest Hemingway and Duncan's (kind of) topic for the episode: Books! With many fun tangents and lots of Frankie Muniz tid-bits, they discuss what they're currently reading, what they had to read in high school and what they SHOULD have been learning in high school, instead.

In Episode 6 of Vision Quest, Ashley speaks to kindred spirit, creative mastermind and full-on loose unit Melissa Viola! They discuss how much they both love mooning, reminisce about their love of Scott Pilgrim that brought them together, and Mel's topic for the week: what she calls "Wes Craven's 1996 Masterpiece, Scream". After forcing Ashley to watch a horror film, they discuss the beauty in it's meta, and how watching anything at 10:00am makes it less scary.

Welcome to episode 5 of Vision Quest, where Ashley is accompanied by kindred spirit, reading and writing juggernaut and authentic angel, Kara Ready. They bond over their love of rollercoasters, John Mayer and having big imaginations, then Kara launches into her topic of the week: Taylor Alison Swift. We hear about the perspective of a long-time Taylor fan, how the media criticises women in pop music for expressing emotion but praises men, and Kara’s take on the “Girl Gang” era of models and surprise tour guests.

In episode 4 of Vision Quest, Ashley is joined by the compassionate, intelligent and truly authentic Christian Schulte – her High School Musical buddy. They talk about how it’s normal to accidentally pee/poop your pants on stage, how their summer together doing improv in Chicago enriched their lives and careers, and Christian’s very thorough explanation of his topic for this episode: The 2020 U.S Presidential Election. With grace and empathy, Christian breaks down the craziness of what’s happened in the last couple of weeks, what the potential outcomes could be after November 3rd, and gives his perspective of what it feels like to be American in a very confusing political climate.

Welcome to episode 3 of Vision Quest, with one of Ashley's oldest friends - the hilarious, cheeky, lanky King himself, Jeremy Deutscher! In this episode, they discuss how they met over a decade ago, have been unable to get rid of each other since, and Jeremy's topic of choice, the down-to-Earth, pop sensation Dua Lipa. He is here to educate us all about what it's been like to be a Dua fan from day one, with a concise timeline of her ascension, and how he feels about her rapid rise to fame.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Vision Quest, with our first guest - the caring, thoughtful, incomparable Kelsey Duvauchelle! In this episode of the pod, we talk about lying as kids, how it's hard to be best friends from opposite sides of the planet, and the topic of choice - parasocial relationships. Kelsey opens the discussion talking about BTS (the loves of her life), the parasocial relationships we subscribe to and the effects these one sided "friendships" could have on children.

Welcome to the first ever episode of Vision Quest, the podcast! Over the coming episodes, writer/comedian Ashley Apap will be interviewing a wonderful lineup of guests, asking them 8 questions and handing the floor over to them to discuss a topic of their choice. For the first episode though, Ashley answers those 8 questions herself and explains why she wanted to make this podcast - focusing on authenticity, making things that you enjoy, and the hope that this will at some point (she promises) be funny.