Behind the Bio

Hugh is the Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at ANU.

From initial studies in philosophy, Hugh built an awarded career in defence and intelligence analysis focusing on Australia and its relationship to the world. Specifically, Australian strategic and defence policy, Asia-Pacific security issues and global strategic affairs. He is also an author who has published major work...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Ben Yosef, who runs Ben Calvert Photography.

Ben is lover of photography and has a specific thing for photographing food. But before he found his passion, the 'Ben Calvert style'  and commercial client stability, he needed to learn how to start and grow a business, how to keep optimistic when times got tough and how to keep evolving, connecting and learning.

Behind the...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Dan Cusack who is behind Revive Landscapes and the new plant home delivery business Housemates.

Dan is a self-proclaimed 'plant man' and his passion for all things plants (from compost to trees and back again) is infectious. But he wasn't always this way and, in this episode, Dan takes us on a journey that touches on him discovering his calling, how he built the two busine...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Nick Parkinson.

Nick is responsible for establishing Hopscotch along with other venues in Canberra. 

He started off his career as a chef chasing big high-end dreams with top London restaurants but, after a few years, Nick came back home to find an exciting opportunity in industrial Braddon. Hopscotch has now been in operation for 9 years and Nick talks about the ups and downs of...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Bridget McShane, who is the Creative Director at McShane - As the founder, she delivers complete residential and commercial projects from architectural design through to interior design via a holistic approach.

Bridget has a world of experience behind her. She has in-depth knowledge of civil and commercial project legislation and safety, plenty of in-agency experience, and was definitely...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Russ Evans.

Russ is a chef with a world of experience and the man behind the popular Instagram account Experience Eats - which shares culinary adventures from Canberra and the region. 

Russ talks about his passion for food, and how experiencing food is more than just about the dish or the taste. We also discuss how to get the most out of your food adventures, how good Ashley Fer...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Tom Skeehan.

Tom is a Canberra based industrial designer heading up the Skeehan Studios that specialise in furniture design and manufacture as well as design consultancy.

Tom chats about his business, the clients, how he stays true to his calling while also balancing the ever expanding requirements on his time.

The conversation also touches on opportunities in the industrial desi...

Daniel heads up the roasting operations at ONA Coffee HQ in Canberra. 

He talks about his career progression from a barista into this pivotal role in the company, the intricacies of coffee processing, types and making that he is so passionate about, and reveals some techniques we can employ to better understand and enjoy quality coffee.

Behind the Bio, the podcast about the people behind the professions.

Brought to...

Francesca heads up the digital strategy and content for Vogue, Vogue Living and GQ Australia.

In this chat, we discuss how a love of fashion, magazines and journalism has guided her career. Francesca discusses the challenges of working in an ever-evolving digital landscape, how she understands and consumes fashion and why she loves being an ambassador for Canberra.

Behind the Bio, the podcast about the people behi...

Gina is an Interior Designer and the Editor of an award-winning interiors blog called the Style Curator, which is all about helping people create a more stylish home. 

Gina is passionate about sharing her love of design, architecture, decorating and homewares. Her passion is infectious and she discusses how she got into the industry, how she grew her business and gives a glimpse of its future direction. Gina also offers ad...

Wes Heincke is the man behind Canberra''s Assembly and Corella among other venues in Queensland.

Wes takes us on the journey he took to discover that hospitality, and specifically the social aspect of it, is what has become his life's purpose. He talks about the importance of hard work, learning from mistakes, surrounding yourself with people you trust, trusting your gut and finding time to shout off and rel...

Ben Faulks is the Chairman of the Ray White real estate agency and Zango.

He covers how he gravitated to property from an initial interest in rugby and physiotherapy and a background in finance at Macquarie to leading one of Canberra’s largest real test agencies.

Ben also chats about the importance of circular and positive impact on other people’s lives and how he found the opportunity to pursue the idea of creating Zango for years a...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Amanda Whitley, who is the founder of HerCanberra, an undying supporter of Canberra and a communicator with a love of bringing communities together.

She discusses her background in journalism, PR and corporate communications that equipped with her the skill set to launch HerCanberra and turn it into the voice of the capital city. The journey which began with a single A4 sheet has taken her and the...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Danielle Harmer who is the General Manager of Allhomes.

Danielle talks about her background in IT and business and how a trip to New York kicked off a massive career in digital publishing and real estate. Her passion for developing experience-focused digital solutions, coupled with a love of real estate means she finds every day an exciting and ever-changing challenge. 

Behind the Bio, th...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Danh Doan, a freelance makeup artist specialising in bridal and event makeup.

Danh talks about how he got into the industry, why wearing makeup is important for him and his clients, the changes he sees in the industry and why he is about to spread his wings and try his luck in the Sydney scene. He also gives some advice to those who may be a little overwhelmed with choices and brands in the makeup...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Frank Condi, the man behind many iconic Canberra hospitality venues including Edgar’s, SubUrban, Public, Academy, Mr Wolf, Shortys, Lola’s, Wakefield Room, The Inn and Mama Dough. 

Over two decades, he has progressed from playing Rugby, being a barman and working in security, to running and owning locations that have made, and continue to make, a contribution to Canberra’s culture.

Frank ...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Kate Freeman who is a nutritionist and the founder and managing director of The Healthy Eating Hub.

She loves the scientific evidence-based approach to nutrition, which she couples with her love of communicating. Through the Healthy Eating Hub is he is able to pass on her knowledge and educate others on great nutrition and well-being with long-term benefits … going past any quick diets and questio...

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Becky Khanthavongsa who is the owner and face behind Zaab restaurant in Braddon, Canberra.

Becky talks about the journey she took to open Zaab, including her Laos influence, the pivotal role of her family, cutting her teeth out on previous business ventures and also knowing how to be true to her spicy vision while adapting to evolving tastes.

She also goes into the support netwo...