Behind the Scenes

Sam O’Reilly is the founder and director of Ascent Media—a Melbourne-based production company that's done everything from underwater shoots and drone work to filming research and renewables projects across Australia. Sam has been in the media game for over 20 years, starting out at Channel 31 and going on to build a business that’s all about telling powerful stories through clean, smart visuals. In this episode, we find out how...

Claire Stuchbery joined LINA in 2022 after a 20-year career in media policy, stakeholder engagement, policy development and communications. Previously she worked in policy and stakeholder engagement for First Nations Media Australia, the peak national body for First Nations not-for-profit broadcasting, media and communications, and also a range of senior management roles with the Community Broadcasting Foundation, ran her own media...

Karina Butler is a freelance journalist with a passion for storytelling across multiple media platforms. She has built a reputation for delivering insightful coverage on film, television, music, and pop culture, and has experience spanning digital media, print, radio, and television. Her work has appeared in leading entertainment publications across the globe, and she has interviewed some of the industry’s biggest names, providing ...

Steve Hart’s career as TV presenter, journalist, crime reporter, and entertainer, is certainly an impressive one. With a keen eye for investigative journalism, he has covered high profile crime stories including some of the most harrowing stories of our time. When not at the news desk, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, supporting his beloved St George Illawarra Dragons NRL team, and showcases his dynamic personality as an...

Well, when it comes to ticking off a whole heap of media roles, my guest today has just about covered them all. Donna Demaio is a journalist and broadcaster; MC and presenter; Freelance travel writer and lifestyle reporter; Entertainment correspondent; Red carpet specialist; News hound; Video reporter; Television producer; Media trainer and consultant; Podcaster and Narrator. Donna joins me on this episode to walk us through her am...

As a speaker and credibility expert, Neryl East loves working with leaders and organizations to transform the way they communicate - especially when the pressure is on. She has spoken on hundreds of stages and admits to getting excited seeing people shift from hesitant and hazy to clear, confident communicators. Neryl joins me to chat about her career as an International keynote speaker, Credibility Authority, and her time working ...

In the next 12 months, my guest today will celebrate ten years at Triple M. Radio featured heavily in Pinky Neven’s childhood, listening to breakfast radio before school and her favourite songs and announcers on her ghetto blaster late at night. Currently co-hosting Triple M Central Queensland Breakfast, Pinky is just as passionate about radio as she was back then, and joins me today to chat about her role with the Ms, her strong c...

A storyteller from a young age, Allex Conley prides herself on teasing out the best from clients, as there is always a story to tell. Over the past few years, she has transferred her storytelling and writing skills, industry expertise and media contacts to secure coverage for clients in leading publications and media outlets. She is the Founder of Pitch Perfect PR, and joins me on this episode to chat about her career and that leap...

Mark Santomartino is a journalist with Nine News Melbourne, joining the team as a breaking news reporter in 2017. Since then, he has filed reports for the TODAY Show and from the 9NEWS Canberra bureau covering federal politics. Mark was previously a reporter at Sky News Melbourne where he was first to report live-on-air during rolling coverage of the Bourke Street rampage, and joins me on the podcast to chat about his career to dat...