What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs

The me I want to be is the guy always trying to become that same person

Salem Barrett-Brown is a polyamorous, pan-sexual, transgender, non-binary, feminist, aetheist anarchist. They also perform comedy, write, direct and generally do all they can to raise awareness for what they believe in to usher forth revolution. I'm very happy to step right out of the way of this podcast intro and let Salem share their story. I was honoured to have Salem join us on the pod. They bring a wild energy. Check out the links below to see or hear Salem in action:You can listen to Salem perform their slam-poem "Funny Queer" as the character Shevvi here. Check out Salem as the host with the most on 'What's Your Flava' here.

Lucy Alexander is a writer and poet from Canberra. While she feels a native of the poetry landscape her creativity takes many forms in novels, non-fiction and reviews among others.Lucy's latest collection of poems, "Strokes of Light" is being published by Recent Works Press later this month (May 2020). It's a beautiful series of poems Lucy's been collecting for many years now. The writing is delicate, spacious and very earthy and real.For the past week Lucy has been sharing a poem a day on Facebook and Instagram - brief, reflective moments during a time of great uncertainty.Lucy's part of a live Facebook event this Tuesdat, 5-May @ 6.30 AEST: Booklove Tuesday - Author Chat & Book GiveawaysLucy will be reading some of her poetry and answers questions.You can also find out more about Lucy's writings at her website: www.lucyalexander.net.au Enjoy!

Faith, COVID-19, connection, finding your own path...and board games.I'm delighted to welcome Rev Amanda Hay onto the podcast.Amanda is the vibrant and caring minister for the Uniting Church in Berowra. Each time I pop to the shop and back I pass the Uniting Church. In these extraordinary times I was curious to learn how a leader of a faith community overcomes the barriers isolation throws in our way and continues to connect with and support her congregation.And we have an awesome chat about board games. Random...I love it!Enjoy :)

I truly believe all we have is time. Time and each other.I think I took for granted how easy it was to connect with people and not matter how challenging these times are I don't want to stop trying to connect.So if you're feeling the same way, stay tuned.What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs is coming back...soon.Be well. Take care,Ken

For me, I'm never more excited or fulfilled then when I am collaborating with others in a joint venture. Whether it's playing football, performing in a band or even co-facilitating workshops with a colleague, anything I do on my own doesn't come close to the thrill and satisfaction I get from connecting with other people.My conversation with writer, therapist and translator, Jorge Montero Calderon and previous guest, poet and writer Elisa Horan, transcends timezones and borders, with Jorge joining me from his home in Costa Rica and Elisa from hers in Vermont in the States.Earlier this year Elisa had completed work on a very personal collection of poetry, Self Portrait, told in first-person through the voice of the artist, Frida Kahlo. From the strong lure Elisa had to, not just the art of Frida but her life and the woman herself, to Jorge's very personal connection to one of the 20th Century's most distinct and barrier-busting artists, their love of Frida and of poetry brought them together.Not just that, but as Jorge discusses in our conversation, the importance of Elisa's writing and how he believes it can make a difference in people's lives.I'll be bringing the conversation to you in 2 parts this week. Part 1 is mostly my conversation getting to know Jorge, his life and his beliefs. He is a deeply compassionate person and his work with people at low moments in their life has given him the opportunity to help others step through the cage doors that they feel have been holding them in.In Part 2, coming out in a few days, Elisa and Jorge talk about how they met a few months ago and it soon came to pass that Jorge began translating Elisa's poems from Self Portrait from English to Spanish, and ultimately, what this book means to them both.Released in English on the 30th September, Self Portrait comes out in Spanish on 7th October.You can go to Amazon to get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Portrait-Elisabeth-Horan/dp/1691430609Enjoy our conversation.Our conversation is book-ended by a reading in both English and Spanish by Elisa and Jorge of poems from this collection.

For me, I'm never more excited or fulfilled then when I am collaborating with others in a joint venture. Whether it's playing football, performing in a band or even co-facilitating workshops with a colleague, anything I do on my own doesn't come close to the thrill and satisfaction I get from connecting with other people.My conversation with writer, therapist and translator, Jorge Montero Calderon and previous guest, poet and writer Elisa Horan, transcends timezones and borders, with Jorge joining me from his home in Costa Rica and Elisa from hers in Vermont in the States.Earlier this year Elisa had completed work on a very personal collection of poetry, Self Portrait, told in first-person through the voice of the artist, Frida Kahlo. From the strong lure Elisa had to, not just the art of Frida but her life and the woman herself, to Jorge's very personal connection to one of the 20th Century's most distinct and barrier-busting artists, their love of Frida and of poetry brought them together.Not just that, but as Jorge discusses in our conversation, the importance of Elisa's writing and how he believes it can make a difference in people's lives.I'll be bringing the conversation to you in 2 parts this week. Part 1 is mostly my conversation getting to know Jorge, his life and his beliefs. He is a deeply compassionate person and his work with people at low moments in their life has given him the opportunity to help others step through the cage doors that they feel have been holding them in.In Part 2, coming out in a few days, Elisa and Jorge talk about how they met a few months ago and it soon came to pass that Jorge began translating Elisa's poems from Self Portrait from English to Spanish, and ultimately, what this book means to them both.Released in English on the 30th September, Self Portrait comes out in Spanish on 7th October.You can go to Amazon to get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Portrait-Elisabeth-Horan/dp/1691430609Enjoy our conversation.Our conversation is book-ended by a reading in both English and Spanish by Elisa and Jorge of poems from this collection.

My guest today is poet, Eli Horan. She has an amazing way of taking her fears, pain and struggles and transforms them into works of powerful creativity. Her writing is about overcoming rage, anger, shame and self-pity. There's a very vulnerable beauty in her poems. I'm struck by the strength she gains from putting her fragility on the page.Eli's writing is close to the skin. She has found a way to find her truth through writing, through embracing her past and her present and through all she's experienced, find hope in her life.Eli has already published 3 collections of poetry: Bad Mommy Stay Mommy, Odd List Odd House Odd Me, and Was It R*pe.Her next book, Self Portrait, inspired by the art and life of Frida Kahlo, is due to be released by Cephalo Press on 30-September.Eli and I talk through some very tough subjects in our conversation today. If you are triggered by sexual trauma, suicide or depression please go into this podcast prepared to hear Eli talk about her experiences with pain and the loss of joy throughout the podcast.Here are some places you can reach out to if you need to talk to someone about what's going on with you:USA: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Australia: https://www.beyondblue.org.auIreland: https://suicideprevention.ie/UK: https://papyrus-uk.org/A big thank you to Isabelle Kenyon from Fly on the Wall Press for connecting Eli and me. I'm very grateful.You can connect with Eli here:https://www.ehoranpoet.com/https://www.facebook.com/ehoranpoethttps://twitter.com/ehoranpoethttps://www.instagram.com/ehoranpoet/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtngb3-46X0wB-_1wePD0dABe well everyone. Take care,ken

Hi folks.Since I last caught up with the wonderfully talented actor, writer and producer, Tricia Morosin, her team @ THIRTY The Series secured the funding they needed to release Season 2. It won't be long now before Dahlia, Charlie, Bianca & Anna return to our (online) screens as they continue to "navigate the peaks and pitfalls of love, work, family, sex and friendship."Well done to Trish and everyone involved in THIRTY The Series - I an one keen fan of the show who can't wait t see what they have in store for us!!**My guest today is, simply put, capital A, amazing.Trish Morosin is an actor, writer and producer among other things.What I admire most about Trish is all she has overcome to bring her creative vision to life.Thirty, season 1, premiered in May 2017 as a 6-part web series. While season 2 has been filmed, Trish along with her fellow producers Madeline MacRae (who stars as Jess) and Sarah de Possesse (who stars as Bianca) still need to raise funds in order to have the show released.Their goal is reach $20K in crowd-sourced funding and they have less than 20 days to do it!You can help #teamthirty by making a pledge via their Pozible page here.Here's your chance to make a different. It's all or nothing for Trish - you have to admire such creative bravery.I certainly do.If you haven't already watched Thirty season 1 you can get yourself all caught up here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsmdYa432YxVJSLT3ahiDYAYou can also find about all about Trish and the rest of the cast and crew here:http://www.thirtytheseries.com/Get involved. Make a difference.Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

I love a good collaborative duo. Lennon & McCartney. Koppelman & Levien. And now Fowler & Pringle. There's something about 2 people coming together in service of an idea and a passion for being creative that excites me like very few things do.It's a been a dream of mine, my whole life, to meet someone on the same creative wavelength as me and make something with them. Write a movie. Create a TV show. Start a band and play some gigs. It remains a dream and not a goal because it's not something I'm actively working on.I was so fortunate this week to meet two very creative, very goal-focused, amazingly talented women. Alison Fowler and Stephanie Pringle are the Casting directors at their own Sydney-based agency, Chicken & Chips Casting. Over the past 5 years, they have bucked the odds, overcome barrier after barrier and met resistance with a gritty work ethic and a savvy approach to business, winning the 2018 B&Ts 30 Under 30 Award for the Entrepreneur category. They wear their achievements with pride and are passionate advocates for diversity, inclusion and representation in casting.I was curious to meet with them because, as a self-confessed podcast addict, I couldn't remember hearing any podcasts with casting specialists. Actors, comedians, writers, directors, producers, artists, musicians - sure there are lots of those podcasts. But what about that very specific and important group of people whose mission it is to seek out talent, help nurture it and then connect actors to the right opportunity?This is a fascinating conversation. Al & Steph are brilliant (at everything) and I was delighted they made time to sit down with me to tell their story.There's lots of ways to learn more about all that Chicken & Chips are up to and connect:Online: https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/FB: https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/Twitter: https://twitter.com/chickennchips_Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chickenandchips_/ Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/what-i-don-t-talk-about-bbqs

Nigel's recently published novel, "Bodies of Men" is powerful, very human and utterly significant.I originally released this back in April in two parts. Here's the whole conversation, released for the first time today.Nigel is a deeply thoughtful man and an hour an a half in his great company only scratches the surface, of what an important creative soul he is.**Nigel Featherstone is an Australian writer whose, powerful new novel, Bodies of Men is to be published by Hachette Australia on the 23rd April - it's the story of two Australian soldiers who find love on the fringes of the Egyptian desert while World War 2 rages around them.This book is significant. This story is important. It's beautifully written. Nigel is the right person to be telling this story at this time.Great literature and art can sometimes be ahead of its time, yet it acts as the beacon so we can all fix on a common point in the direction we need to go. This book may well be that beacon of how we can further understand each other and learn to live along side others no matter the differences.When I set out to do this podcast I put sitting down with Nigel to record as one of the big goals for myself. Nigel has been very important to my own creative development since we met in 2014 @ the ACT Writer's Centre Hardcopy manuscript development program where Nigel was the facilitator and coordinator.For a couple of years following the program Nigel was a mentor to me, helping me to find ways to create no matter what. Without his involvement, I may not have had the courage to embark on something as crazy as doing this podcast.In this part of the conversation get spend time on the journey leading up to the writing of Bodies of Men. In Part 2, which is coming out on the 23rd April to coincide with the release of Nigel's novel, we get deep into the story behind of the story and so much more.Nigel is a rare character and has a generous artistic soul.I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.You can stay up to date with all that's happening in Nigel's world here:@ Hachette: https://www.hachette.com.au/nigel-featherstone/BUY THE BOOK: https://www.hachette.com.au/nigel-featherstone/bodies-of-mentwitter, instagram: @ngfeatherswebsite: www.opentopublic.com.aurepresentation: the Naher AgencyBODIES OF MEN, a novel to be published by Hachette Australia on 23 April 2019- launching in Canberra at 6pm on Thursday 16 May at The Street TheatreThanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

This was not planned!I'm not trying to Trojan horse my creative writing into a conversational podcast feed.This is just me dealing, and trying to keep up with, change.I promise I am busy, busy, reaching out to amazing creative souls, not just here in Sydney but further afield.'The Headstone' was a short story I wrote in almost one sitting on a Sunday afternoon in February, 2011. My wife was at work and my 14 month old son was burning through a fever which rendered him listless and without energy. As he went through many stretches of sleep, I found myself drawn to the keyboard, an idea just overwhelmed me and compelled me to write.The inspiration for message on a headstone to spark a story about connection had come to me a few weeks before and rattled around my brain like a pebble trapped inside a tumbling washing machine. What happened this day to draw this story out of me, I can only think had to do with my pondering on the relationship my son and I would have and also after an at times turbulent 14/15 months with both work and family, the guilt I felt at having this time on my hands to indulge my passion while my son drifted in and out of an uneasy sleep.I hope you enjoy this story. I'm delighted to be able to bring it to you.Music by adrift (Live @ The Isaac Butt, 2003) Photo by Greg Ortega, https://unsplash.com/@antisocia1?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText

This week, it's a short story I wrote in 2002, How I Disappeared Completely.The story was written off the back on my struggle with identity after moving from Sydney, Australia to Dublin, Ireland in 1999. Having worked in Event Management & PR for over 2 years, my first 'real' jobs out of Uni, I wasn't liking who I was becoming, or who I needed to become to be success and happy in this world.This story is me checking in with myself and coming to some important realisations.It is fiction though heavily influenced by my experiences in these years.Enjoy!(Music by FutureFunk)

**Re-Release**Since we chatted in January, comedian Rachael Millanta has headlined her show 'Lower your Expectations' at the Melbourne International Comedy festival with shows in Sydney & Newcastle too. Tonight (Sunday, 23-June) Rachael is performing along with a stellar line up of comedians @ What She Said Comedy @ The Chippo Hotel in Sydney.Always busy on the Sydney scene, as a stand-up and improvisor, Rachael is doing some really brilliant, funny and creative things - enjoy our conversation!Thanks to:eight and half half for "Piece by Piece"Tara Ward for the art and design - https://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/

Anne Casey is a poet and author who writes about grief and loss for home and family.Her work is deeply personal yet strikes a universal chord with many of us who had experienced the loss of our home or the grief we feel because of a loved one who's died. The power and joy in Anne's writing springs forth from how she finds ways to celebrate the wonder, beauty and hope in our lives, where we live them and who we go through this journey with.Her 2017 poetry collection "where the lost things go" (published by Salmon Poetry) explores these themes with great sensitivity and depth, beginning with the 15-part "In Memoriam".Having the opportunity to talk to Anne, who, like me, hails from Ireland, was so special. Reading Anne's poetry brought about a great realisation for me. Since moving to Sydney from Dublin in 1988 I have been searching for a language or way to understand my feelings of being a child of one country's history and a man of another country's future.This is a tension I've struggled my whole teenage and adult life to come to terms with. Reading Anne's work and then having the opportunity to talk with her has helped me find some clarity and understanding about these emotions I've been feeling since I was a skinny and pale 11 year old boy with a funny accent having just landed in a multicultural sunburnt land.I'm coming to find peace with the idea I may never fully resolve these two sides to my life. Being Irish and being Australian, I am really blessed and fortunate beyond belief.Anne is a thoughtful writer who is able, with great delicacy, warmth and empathy, convey emotion and experience we can all find something of ourselves in.Later this month Anne will be in Ireland for the launch of her second collection of poems, "out of emptied cups" kicking off on ​​Saturday, 6 July @ 7 pm: at The Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.Then in August Anne will be back in Australia to begin a series of readings to launch the book here.You can find all the details on her website www.anne-casey.com - go straight to the Readings and Events page for all the details about where you can go and see Anne for one of these events.The Irish Times:• The real enemy in writing• I barely recognise my hometown• The Lock Up• Marked women, unmarked graves• Metaphoric Rise• Christmas kisses• Would you ever think of coming home?Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Miles Hunt is many things. A lawyer. A philosopher. A comedian. A performer. An author. A storyteller. A podcaster. And, when our times call for it, a renegade.What I admire most about Miles is that he's always looking for different ways to tell stories, connect with an audience or community and express whatever idea's come to consume him at any time.He tackles his fears head on, whether it's taking to the stage to become a comedian, going part-time with this work to create more space for writing in his life, or like me (and an inspiration for me) got behind a microphone to begin his own podcast. Or ending up in the Sydney Morning Herald as the lone voice at the time from the legal profession who spoke up about his own drug taking and his legal perspective on the need for reform with our drug laws.Miles has a lot to say and has the courage to make a stand for what he believes in.You can find Miles here: http://therenegade.com.au/Or get a copy of his novel, The Unfortunate Death of James Douglas O’Flaherty, here: https://jdof.com.au/Also, a shout out to my pod-friend from the USA, Marita and her amazing Turning Point Podcast, which has helped me a lot recently in my own life as I've introduced a large dose of change. Whether it's with an exciting entrepreneur, up and coming business leader or Marita's own reflections on her life and learnings, check it out if you're looking for a podcast about life lessons and how turning points can shape our journey.https://turningpointpodcast.com/Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Rachelle Trayer is a kinesiologist, neuro-trainer and breathwork coach.Rachelle helps people change their perception of stress, how to spend less time in a fight or flight mode and finding more balanced ways to experience emotion and feel more centred in their day-to-day living.One of the key motivators for Rachelle is helping people find alignment within their head-brain, heart-brain and gut-brain. The closer we get to this state, we get closer and closer to our truest self. Kinesiology helps take you out of the loop where damaging behaviours and thoughts stop you from becoming all you can be and helps you rewire your brain, forming new neural pathways.When you are able to begin the process of rewiring your brain to form new thoughts and behaviours, you are presented with new outcomes and new possibilities, reintroducing excitement and wonder back into your life. It's Rachelle's great passion in life to facilitate this change for other people.Intrigued?How can you not be.Rachelle has a special offer for listeners of What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs if you want to learn more about how she can help you through kinesiology and breathwork.She is offering the first two listeners to get in touch with her and mention they heard her, here on What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs, a free breathwork session, the next one coming up on the Winter Solstice on the 23rd June in Sydney.Or for anyone interested in kinesiology, $20 off their introductory session when their tell her they heard here here on the podcast.You can find Rachelle here:www.rachelletrayer.com.au / rachelletrayer@outlook.comCheck out some great breathwork hints and tips @ Rachelle's YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv3-qJUql65hkvrFttIckPAAlso, a shout out to my pod-friend from the USA, Marita and her amazing Turning Point Podcast, which has helped me a lot recently in my own life as I've introduced a large dose of change. Whether it's with an exciting entrepreneur, up and coming business leader or Marita's own reflections on her life and learnings, check it out if you're looking for a podcast about life lessons and how turning points can shape our journey.https://turningpointpodcast.com/ Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Richard Carroll is a director, writer and producer.That's just for starters. He also hosts his own podcast, Every Musical Ever, is a board member of The Pipeline Arts Ltd and was one of the founders of The Hayes Theatre Company. In only a few short years Richard has established himself as one of the most creative and innovative directors on the Australia theatre scene.Excitingly, Richard, in association with the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, is bringing award-winning musical "Once" to the stage, beginning it's run in late June."Once" began its life as an Irish movie, written and directed by John Carney, in 2007 starring modern-day Irish folk hero, Glen Hansard, and Marketa Irglova. The story of two struggling musicians in Dublin who fall in love while following their passion for music, took the world by storm. "Once" won the Academy Award for Best Song in 2007 for "Falling Slowly".Since then the movie was adapted as a musical for the stage and previews begin on 26-June at the Darlinghurst Theatre.Tickets are already selling really fast for the month-long run of the show. If a night of story and song is your thing, check out this link for tickets. The show will lift you up, give you tingles and make you feel just that bit happier about the world we all live in:Tickets here: https://bit.ly/2YB2WXBOn the pod today Richard discusses the importance of balance and chemistry amongst the cast when putting an ensemble musical like this together. He has a strict "No Arseholes" policy.If you enjoy our conversation, you can stay stay in touch with Richard at his website, www.richardcarroll.com.au or on twitter @richard_carrollLet him know you head him here on What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs.Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Hi Everyone. no full pod this week.Instead, a cool little outtake from my conversation a few weeks back with Documentary Photographer, David Ryan. Just a few moments into our conversation David's nerves got the better of him, but instead of crumbling into an inaudible mess, David was able to articulately talk through what was happening to him as he experienced it.It was so amazing to listen back, I checked with David and he was alright with me sharing this.In the end, David was able to talk himself through the experience to a point where what had happened made perfect sense and we were able to go again with greater gusto and focus.It's only a morsel, I know. I do think it's both entertaining and enlightening.Enjoy :)

David Ryan is a storyteller. He tells other people's stories with his camera.As a documentary wedding photographer he's a particular man who share's other's special moments in a very particular and unique way. Only David can tell a story through pictures the way he does. His is a special and distinctive talent.David has a special place in my heart along this journey that's led me to starting a podcast. A couple of years ago I was attending a good friend's wedding in Ballina, Co. Mayo. David was their wedding photographer. Now, at this wedding I knew my wife and the bride and groom, and really, no-one else.Following a beautiful ceremony at the Ice House Hotel I was wandering along the banks for the River Moy while family & friends took pictures of the bridal party. The one person who didn't seemed to be in this melee was the wedding photographer. He was skirting around the edges, sometimes taking a picture of what was going on with the bride and groom, other times taking pictures of the young children as they played games of chasing while trying not to drop their ice-creams. David wasn't doing the thing I'd come to know wedding photographers to do - controlling and directing the action. He was behaving like the proverbial fly on the wall.I was fascinated.So after while, having watched his modus operandi, I worked up the nerve to approach him and ask a question. Now, as you'll hear David talk about in our conversation, the questions he gets asked as a photographer can, for him, seem quite trivial and superficial. And David hates the superficial.Not knowing this, I went up to David and asked my question."What are you looking to capture?"David's reaction startled me, as I later learned the question startled him.He turned to face me, took a step back and said, "Wow, what a great question."The rest, as they say, is history.Having the courage to ask someone a question that was really burning a hole in my brain, from a place of genuine curiousity, and the amazing conversations David and I had throughout the rest of the day, awoke something within me that I'd long ignored.That I wanted to spend more time with creative people learning about what makes them tick.And most importantly, that it is OKAY to feel like this. So if I were to act from this place the results would more than not be really enjoyable.And year and a half later, I finally worked up the nerve to start this podcast, which had some of its origins in that moment, outside a hotel along side a river on a gloriously sunny Saturday on the west-coast of Ireland.So returning home to Ireland for a holiday in April, it was important for me to bring this full circle by sitting down to catch up with David.I hope you enjoy - it's a deep conversation and at one point we get much heavier than I ever expected. Thank you to David for his honesty, his openness and for not being afraid to let who he really his show through.You can see more of David's work here:Website - https://www.davidryanphotography.ie/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/David-Ryan-Photography-144980672237145/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/david_ryan_photography/Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Dr Enda Murray is the Festival Director of the Irish Film Festival which is currently on in Sydney until Sunday, 5-May before moving to Melbourne from 9-12 May.He has a penchant for seeking out and bringing to the screen stories from marginalised communities, not just in Australia, but all over the world.In today's conversation we discuss the through line from being one of fourteen children to Enda's passion for storytelling as a way of drawing attention to really important issues.You can learn more about what's going on at the Irish Film Festival and get your tickets here:www.irishfilmfestival.com.au This year's program celebrates the diversity of Irish life in the 21st century with 10 feature films and a selection of short film and an LGBTQI series. Enda is premiering his own film, "A Lifetime of Stories", the amazing lives of Sydney’s Irish seniors told in their own words.I'm honoured to bring this conversation to you.Enjoy :)Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep14.Caoirne Ward in an emerging musician who knows what he wants.When it comes to his music, he knows how he wants it to sound and he doesn't compromise when it comes to his compositions. He's not apologetic for who he is, his opinions and the success he's working hard to achieve.He started off wearing his influences very obviously on his sleeves in YouTube videos, yet now, after writing more than 100 songs, releasing 2 albums and a number of singles his own voice and style is coming through.Now his music has over tens of thousands of plays on Spotify and his latest song Trying has made it all the way to Triple J.In our conversation today we get beyond surface impressions. The longer the conversation goes the more of Caoirne comes to the fore. He's learning his music is genuinely connecting with people and it's firing him up to do more.Before we begin today's chat Caoirne's kindly allowed me to drop one of his latest tracks, Honest. It's a perfect post-summer tune filled with chilled out positive vibes. Great minimal composition. Heart on sleeve stuff!Enjoy the track. Hang around for the conversation.You can check out Caorine's music and stay up to date with him here:iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/caoirne-ward/1153720338Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3scuMK5oXb8Mw5a12LXTqKYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/caoirnewardFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/caoirneward1/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caoirneward/Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep13...Pt2Nigel Featherstone is an Australian writer who, on 23rd April, publishes his powerful new novel, Bodies of Men - the story of two Australian soldiers who find love on the fringes of the Egyptian desert while World War 2 rages around them.This book is significant. This story is important. It's beautifully written. Nigel is the right person to be telling this story at this time.Great literature and art can sometimes be ahead of its time, yet it acts as the beacon so we can all fix on a common point in the direction we need to go. This book may well be that beacon of how we can further understand each other and learn to live along side others no matter the differences.When I set out to do this podcast I put sitting down with Nigel to record as one of the big goals for myself. Nigel has been very important to my own creative development since we met in 2014 @ the ACT Writer's Centre Hardcopy manuscript development program where Nigel was the facilitator and coordinator.For a couple of years following the program Nigel was a mentor to me, helping me to find ways to create no matter what. Without his involvement, I may not have had the courage to embark on something as crazy as doing this podcast.In this part of the conversation get spend time on the journey leading up to the writing of Bodies of Men. In Part 2, which is coming out on the 23rd April to coincide with the release of Nigel's novel, we get deep into the story behind of the story and so much more.Nigel is a rare character and has a generous artistic soul.I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.You can stay up to date with all that's happening in Nigel's world here:@ Hachette: https://www.hachette.com.au/nigel-featherstone/BUY THE BOOK: https://www.hachette.com.au/nigel-featherstone/bodies-of-mentwitter, instagram: @ngfeatherswebsite: www.opentopublic.com.aurepresentation: the Naher AgencyBODIES OF MEN, a novel to be published by Hachette Australia on 23 April 2019- launching in Canberra at 6pm on Thursday 16 May at The Street TheatreThanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep13...Pt1Nigel Featherstone is an Australian writer whose, powerful new novel, Bodies of Men is to be published by Hachette Australia on the 23rd April - it's the story of two Australian soldiers who find love on the fringes of the Egyptian desert while World War 2 rages around them.This book is significant. This story is important. It's beautifully written. Nigel is the right person to be telling this story at this time.Great literature and art can sometimes be ahead of its time, yet it acts as the beacon so we can all fix on a common point in the direction we need to go. This book may well be that beacon of how we can further understand each other and learn to live along side others no matter the differences.When I set out to do this podcast I put sitting down with Nigel to record as one of the big goals for myself. Nigel has been very important to my own creative development since we met in 2014 @ the ACT Writer's Centre Hardcopy manuscript development program where Nigel was the facilitator and coordinator.For a couple of years following the program Nigel was a mentor to me, helping me to find ways to create no matter what. Without his involvement, I may not have had the courage to embark on something as crazy as doing this podcast.In this part of the conversation get spend time on the journey leading up to the writing of Bodies of Men. In Part 2, which is coming out on the 23rd April to coincide with the release of Nigel's novel, we get deep into the story behind of the story and so much more.Nigel is a rare character and has a generous artistic soul.I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.You can stay up to date with all that's happening in Nigel's world here:@ Hachette: https://www.hachette.com.au/nigel-featherstone/BUY THE BOOK: https://www.hachette.com.au/nigel-featherstone/bodies-of-mentwitter, instagram: @ngfeatherswebsite: www.opentopublic.com.aurepresentation: the Naher AgencyBODIES OF MEN, a novel to be published by Hachette Australia on 23 April 2019- launching in Canberra at 6pm on Thursday 16 May at The Street TheatreThanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep12.Naomi Mourra is a comedian, improvisor and co-producer of a regular comedy night on the Sydney scene.There's a well developed sense of irreverance to her comedy - she's not afraid to speak comedy truth to power. In her upcoming show for the Sydney Comedy Festival she tackles a little book called The Bible.Naomi's performing her show, An Open Book @ The Enmore Theatre on 26, 27 & 28 April. Get your tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/237656840454622/ or here http://www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au/single-event?show_id=2200The release of this podcast also coincides with the 1-year anniversary of What She Said Comedy, Sydney's only all-female comedy night.Congratulations to co-producers Naomi, Sophie Long and Alex Potter for pioneering this weekly night @ the Chippo Hotel - you can find them plus some of Australia's best and up&coming women of comedy on the stage each Sunday from 6.30pm.Stay up to date with Naomi and the What She Said Comedy crew's goings on here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomimourracomedy/What She Said Comedy: https://www.facebook.com/whatshesaidcomedy/ and https://www.whatshesaidcomedy.com/Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep10.My guest today on What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs is professional actor, Douglas Spafford.He's had a long and winding journey from Birmingham in the UK through Scotland, the NT, Wagga and now to Sydney and this very day you can find him treading the boards, plying his craft.During my conversation with Douglas I was reminded of the motto of my high school, St. Clair High in Western Sydney. It was three overlapping C's, and you know what, I'm not sure if I'd ever committed them to memory then but I certainly can't remember them now.Talking to Douglas this logo reappeared in my mind and I found 3 'C' words that really connected to who he is and reflect his own journey.They are Courage, Confidence, Commitment.Douglas is in this thing and giving it all he has, and that's something to be respected and admired.He's currently performing as Clotten in The Acting Factory @ Emu Plain's production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline which is on until April-7. Entry is by gold coin donation. Find the details here: https://www.facebook.com/The-Acting-Factory-149933181758227/Without much further ado, let's raise the curtain on this chat.Enjoy!Stay in touch with Douglas, here:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/spaffordacting/Twitter - https://twitter.com/spaffordactingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/spaffordactingAnd that Henry V scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8vMIdBfTm0Sherlock Holmes & The Ripper Murders @ The Genesian Theatre: http://www.genesiantheatre.com.au/index.php?mode=view&s=2019&i=3Where Angels Fear to Tread @ The Guild Theatre - http://www.guildtheatre.com.au/reserve-tickets/Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep9.My guest today is, simply put, capital A, amazing.Trish Morosin is an actor, writer and producer among other things.What I admire most about Trish is all she has overcome to bring her creative vision to life.Thirty, season 1, premiered in May 2017 as a 6-part web series. While season 2 has been filmed, Trish along with her fellow producers Madeline MacRae (who stars as Jess) and Sarah de Possesse (who stars as Bianca) still need to raise funds in order to have the show released.Their goal is reach $20K in crowd-sourced funding and they have less than 20 days to do it!You can help #teamthirty by making a pledge via their Pozible page here.Here's your chance to make a different. It's all or nothing for Trish - you have to admire such creative bravery.I certainly do.If you haven't already watched Thirty season 1 you can get yourself all caught up here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsmdYa432YxVJSLT3ahiDYAYou can also find about all about Trish and the rest of the cast and crew here:http://www.thirtytheseries.com/Get involved. Make a difference.Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep8.Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce my guest this week to you, 2018's Ampersand Prize winner, Frances Chapman.I've had the pleasure to have known Frances for a few years since we first met at a creative writing course @ The Australian Writers Centre in Sydney,What I admire most about Frances is her work ethic, and make no mistake, she approaches writing like it is a job.She turns up everyday.She does the work.And as a result she's become an amazing writer of both fiction and non-fiction. All her efforts have culminated in her being awarded The Hardie Grant Egmont Award Ampersand Prize last year for her ‘vibrant’ (their word) debut YA novel, What it Takes.In our chat today we get stuck right into her journey and her process.Frances is honest and thoughtful and has all the grit and persistence of someone who's worked out what it takes to bring her goals and dreams to life.I can't express enough how excited I was to get to sit down with Frances to learn more about how she's become the writer she is.You'll love this one.Check all all that Frances is up to here:The Ampersand Award announcement: www.hardiegrant.com/au/egmont/ampersand-prize@Mamamia: www.mamamia.com.au/author/frances-chapman-5/Twitter: @fchapmanwriterFacebook here tooThanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep7.Ali Whitelock is a poet.Hailing from Glasgow in Scotland, her writing is both brave and bold.I've been fortunate through this podcast to meet so many people who've decided to put creativity at the centre of their lives.Ali's path to poetry wasn't a straight forward one and maybe the journey has made her writing all the richer for the experiences she's had and the decisions she's made.On the page her work squirms and wriggles and challenges at every turn. Through performance her poems come to life.You can find Ali this Thursday, 21 March @ Kinokuniya bookstore in the Victoria Galleries in Sydney city centre.She's one of an amazing line up of poets as part of "The Celtic Word: an evening of contemporary Scottish & Irish poetry & prose" which includes Anne Casey, Magi Gibson and Ian Macpherson.You can find more info on this event here: https://www.kinokuniya.com.au/events/the-celtic-word-an-evening-of-contemporary-scottish-irish-poetry-prose/On today's pod Ali reads two of her poems, The Time It Takes To Boil An Egg and Please Do Not Pee in the Sink.You can follow what Ali's up to here:Website - www.aliwhitelock.comBuy her books - https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004O9752OFollow on FB - https://www.facebook.com/ali.whitelock.3YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC1-1kLss8gmqlTi7GQeldMgTwitter: https://twitter.com/alisonwhitelock?lang=enThanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep6.Jason is a writer, a maker and a teacher.I've known him as someone who has dedicated his life to searching, exploring and learning. I often think of Jason as someone who, in his quiet moments, is listening for that original frequency that rang out in the moments just before the Big Bang because he believes there might be something there that tells us something about ourselves.Whatever Jason does, he does it with a serious and an all consuming concentration. He lives very intensely and I was grateful for the opportunity to sit down and talk to him about the stories from his life that has shaped his path.We go all over the map during this chat and I was pedalling fast to keep up. Jason speaks with a very considered and deliberate cadence yet beneath the calm surface is a mind that's going at warp speed.You can stay up to date with Jason here:Website: www.designhistorytheory.com Facebook: fb.me/whatsthatgottodowitharchitectureTwitter: @WhatArch"Sleepwalk" by Santo & Johnny can be heard here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBRCvVpknvgThanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep5.Choosing to live a creative life means you HAVE TO be ready to commit to whatever it is you want to produce.Whether it's painting or sculpture or movies, or for me, podcasts, you have to be prepared to push through the tough times. When it's tough and we still turn up to create, we're making a statement about how important what we do is to us.My guest on this episode of What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs turns up each and every day, no matter what. Maxine Fawcett is a writer, a mother, a wife and wherever she goes she puts all of her heart into what's she doing.We talk a lot about how her life has led her to become the writer she is and how she's working each and every day to balance all of the important priorities that mean so much to her.As a creator committed to bringing her stories to the world, I found her very inspiring to chat to.You can learn more about Maxine here:Her website: https://maxinefawcett.com/Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/autism-son/Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaxineFawcettauthor/Thanks to:eight and a half for “Piece by Piece” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design – http://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage – https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep4.Thanks for joining me this week. I'm chatting with visual artist, Gabrielle Bates.This podcast means a lot to me, and I'm grateful that you're here.I love to create. Ideas excite me but ideas alone are not enough. They can be like eating a Mars Bar to deal with my hunger when what I really need is a good meal.This podcast is my good meal.It’s helping me have the type of meaningful conversations with people I’ve always wanted to have.Each time I sit down to record with someone I learn something about them, about me and about our world.I’ve also learned to check the remaining memory on my digital recorder’s SD card!What moves us?What events in our lives have led us to where we are today?What are the stories we tell ourselves that have shaped how we see our place on this planet?I like to get into it with people and I hope you enjoy the results.You can follow all that Gabrielle is up to here:http://gabriellebates.com/Instagram - @cloudboughWestConnex Action Group - https://www.facebook.com/westconnexactiongroup/Saving Sydney's Trees - https://www.facebook.com/savingsydneystrees/The Tree Shriners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1791075871106615/Thanks to:eight and a half for "Piece by Piece" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design - www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage - https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep3. I'm learning folks. Every time I sit down to record with someone I find out something new. In this episode, I'm grateful to some advice from soon-to-be guest, Jason Dibbs, for telling me to always have a Plan B when recording.Today with Sheree there was a moment when I could have given up, could have said, 'Sorry Sheree, this just isn't going to happen in exactly the way I want it to.'But that's not what happened.This is a podcast about people who find a way, despite the obstacles, no matter what it takes.When I met up with Sheree we face background sound issues, memory card storage space issues and my own inexperience as a podcaster. We found a way though.So around the 22, 23 minute mark of this pod when there's a distinct change in the quality of audio, STICK WITH IT. What Sheree has to tell us is worth it.Her story is filled with courage and commitment. She is not afraid to make bold moves in her life, to take a risk.This is a great chat and I'm honoured that Sheree would share her stories with me.Do it up.You can catch up with Sheree and what's she's up to here:Keeping up with the Penguins - http://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/Twitter - @shereestrangeHuffPost - https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/author/sheree-strange/Medium - https://medium.com/@shereestrangeAnd, Sheree MCs each month @ https://www.facebook.com/thesydneypoetrylounge/Thanks to:eight and a half for "Piece by Piece" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design - www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage - https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep2 - I'm back with another great guest.This week I'm joined by Jamie Andrei on What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs. What I admire most about Jamie is how he finds a way to make things happen. We really get into it on the pod this week.You can find out more about Jamie and his creative adventures here:Bake.Agency - https://bake.agency/The GenAlpha Project - https://genalpha.org/Leola Rose "Stories of Survival" - https://leolarose.com/media/Thanks to:eight and a half for "Piece by Piece" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design - www.tarawardphotography.com.au/Podcast homepage - https://widtaabbqs.home.blog/

Ep1 - It's so great to be here.I'm delighted to be kicking this pod off with the fabulously talented comedian, Rachael Millanta.You can find details for Rachael's upcoming show's here:Rachel Millanta - https://www.facebook.com/rachaelmillanta/What She Said Comedy - www.facebook.com/whatshesaidcomedyYou can reach me here:kenspodyay@gmail.com@kenspodyayThanks to:eight and half half for "Piece by Piece" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U_MC4mabNMTara Ward for the art and design - https://www.tarawardphotography.com.au/

COMING SOON!My new podcast, What I Don't Talk About @ BBQs.Hear me talk it up so you can get a flavour of what's in store.Enjoy. Let's chat soon.Ken /kenspodyay@gmail.com