Tell Craig Your Story

🎙️ Episode 180 – Part 1

“Today on Tell Craig Your Story, I’m thrilled to welcome Clint Lovering — front man of Damage Inc, Australia’s ultimate Metallica tribute band.

For over 20 years, Clint and the band have brought Metallica’s music to life with passion and precision. Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with the Sydney Symphony, performed the Last Post on ANZAC Day, and even received a shout-out from Lars Ulrich on the How...

Episode 179 – Tell Craig Your Story Podcast | Billie Blue Blackstone

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented Billie Blue Blackstone, a Malaysian-American singer-songwriter who first rose to prominence as the frontwoman of Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men before stepping out on her own as a solo artist.

We talk about her brand-new single “Persimmon Tree,” the creative process of recording in the studio, her pre-sho...

Episode 178 🎙️ Today on Tell Craig Your Story, I’m excited to welcome Hayley Zhao — editor, writer, and multimedia journalist with The World of Chinese.

Hayley has a passion for bridging cultures through storytelling, whether it’s in print, podcasts, or multimedia projects. A graduate of Columbia Journalism School, her focus includes education, environmental reporting, and investigative journalism.

We first met at the MKW Pro Wres...

Today I’m joined by a truly incredible guest Luke Preece—an artist whose work you’ve probably seen even if you didn’t realise it. He’s a UK-based illustrator and art director, celebrated for blending the dark, powerful aesthetics of heavy metal with the imagination of science fiction and fantasy.

Luke’s art has been commissioned by some of the biggest names in music and entertainment—Metallica, Slipknot, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest...

🎙️ Episode 176 – Tell Craig Your Story

This week, I’m joined by Qin Qin, author of the memoir Model Minority Gone Rogue. In this powerful and deeply personal story, Qin Qin reflects on navigating identity, cultural expectations, and the journey of breaking free from the “model minority” label.

Born in China, now residing in Canberra Australia, Qin Qin shares her experiences growing up under the shadow of the “Tiger Mother” stereot...

🎙️ Episode 175 – Tell Craig Your Story This week, I’m joined by Hope White, a dynamic midcourter for the Sydney Giants in the Suncorp Super Netball League.

Born in Newcastle, Hope’s journey began at the Newcastle Netball Association before moving to the Central Coast Heart, where she developed under coaches Amber Cross. Her dedication led her to represent NSW and then Australia at U19 and U21 levels, making history as one of the y...

Episode [174] – Daria Vedenskaya (Fitness Coach, Zumba on the Bund)

Please welcome to the podcast, Daria Vedenskaya, joining us all the way from Vladivostok, Russia. Daria studied in Shanghai, China, where she works as an Import-Export Agent. But her true passion lies in the world of fitness and personal training.

She offers online classes as well as one-on-one personal coaching, tailoring each program to individual needs. In Shan...

🎙️ Episode 173 – Gavin Malone (That Sound Podcast)

Please welcome to the podcast Gavin Malone, co-host of That Sound Podcast based in Ireland. Gavin dives deep into album reviews, live concert experiences, and the latest news from the world of rock.

We immediately connected over our mutual love for Metallica—a recurring theme in this episode. Gavin's recent podcast work includes reviewing iconic Thin Lizzy albums and an insightfu...

Episode 172 – Xiaojiemen: China’s International Wrestling Influence

In this episode, Craig sits down with Xiaojiemen, one of China’s most influential figures in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his dynamic presence on Bilibili—with over 34,000 followers and 11 million+ total views—Xiaojiemen has become a trailblazer in promoting and celebrating wrestling culture in China.

We dive deep into his journey from participati...

Episode 171 – Please welcome to the podcast, Author and Ring Announcer James Murray!

James is a multi-talented creator whose work spans across comics, poetry, and live entertainment. His impressive bibliography includes Classic Horror Comics, Frankenstein: The Illuminatus Complex, and a poetry collection titled Almost Normal. He's also the author of Billy the Kid Meets the Masked Striker, published under his independent label, Hard...

Episode 170- We’re thrilled to welcome Rob Dietrich — Master Distiller and Blender of Blackened American Whiskey — who joins us while on tour with Metallica as part of the explosive Metallica Takeover events.

Before becoming the face behind Metallica’s signature Blackened whiskey and cigar's, Rob lived a life few could imagine. From his early days serving in the U.S. Army to working as an event manager and roadie for some of the bi...

This episode is a powerhouse showcase of international talent. IONU, the Russian rock band now lighting up the Shanghai music scene, brings serious energy, passion, and versatility. Known as the house band Red Star's at the iconic Pearl Theatre, they deliver top-tier tribute performances and original music that spans hard rock, funk, pop, and heavy metal.

The conversation gives listeners insight into their journey—from Russia to Ch...

Please welcome to the podcast one of the all time greatest guitar players, Marty Friedman. Born in Washington DC, USA, he started his music career with bands Hawaii and Deuce before forming Cacophony with Jason Becker. Friedman joined Megadeth in 1990 and their Rust In Peace album, is considered one of the best heavy metal album ever. He received International success touring the world and having multi platinum albums. Friedman lef...

Episode 167 - Please welcome to the podcast Guido Esposito, Founder of the award winning Bella Napoli Italian Restaurants in Shanghai In my opinion, it is one of the best Italian restaurants in China. Guido was born in Salerno, Italy. At the age of 18 years old, he moved to several European countries working at 5 star hotels before getting the opportunity to move to China and start his own business.

Bella Napoli was founded in Shan...

2025 IS HERE! Welcome to a new season of Tell Craig Your Story podcast. We kick it off with Adrian Manera. Adrian was born in Adelaide, South Australia. He is the owner of World Series Wrestling (WSW), the leading Australian pro wrestling tour company.  Superstars like Jeff Jarrett, Gunther, AJ Styles, and Daniel Bryan have previously performed with the company. WSW has a new "Legacy" tour, with live events this March in Melbourne ...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my family, friends, and fans out there. 2024 has been a fantastic year for the podcast, and 2025 is going to be even bigger and better. Are you ready?

Please welcome to the podcast all the way from Vladivostok Russia, Queen Marie. We had to postpone the podcast prior to this recording as she was proposed to by her boyfriend. Congrats to you both. Queen Marie is the manager in MKW Pro Wres...

Episode 163 - Please welcome to the podcast Finnish Artist, Model, and Author Jenna Rauten. Now residing in Shanghai, China, Jenna  has been painting for over ten years now, and her paintings have been sold worldwide. Her artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions. Her recent exhibition, "Celebrate Life," received rave reviews. Jenna has recently finished writing her first fantasy novel, which will be published next year. Je...

Heavy metal band Chimera Cult join me on the podcast. After 2 years, the band will release their 2nd album Feral Well, on the 25th December. Tell Craig Your Story has the exclusive early release of 2 tracks from the new album. At the start of the podcast you heard "Feral Well" and at the end of the podcast you heard "Bore Through The Womb". In my opinion, Chimera Cult are one of the best foreign heavy metal bands in Shanghai. Mixed...