"I've been discovering music my whole life, but every year Woodford brings a stack of stuff I've never heard of, that I know is going to become my next favourite thing."

In this episode, Harley sits down with ABC's Sarah Howells / Aussie radio royalty with 21 years in the biz, including stints at Triple J and Double J.

And would you believe, this was her first podcast ever!

From winning Woodford tickets through her mum's competition obsession in 1998 to becoming one of the festival's most recognisable voices, Sarah shares her journey from small-town nerd in Murwillumbah to championing Australian music on a national stage.

The conversation weaves through Sarah's origin story, her thoughts on Triple J's evolution and why she transitioned from music-focused programming to ABC Local Radio, falling in love with conversations in the process.

They dive into the magic of discovering new artists at Woodford, the importance of regional music scenes like the Sunshine Coast and Sarah's role as vice chair of the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective. Plus, Sarah gives us the inside scoop on must-see acts from the freshly launched program. We'd tell you who but we'd prefer if you listened yourself.

Sarah also reveals her pivotal Woodford moment and why maybe the sunsets deserve as much hype as the infamous sunrise on New Year's Day.

This episode is for:

• People interested in how to crack into a career in radio
• Music lovers who want the inside track on Woodford 2025/26's hidden gems

People on the fence about coming to Woodford and want some insights into what makes Woodford more than just another festival.

Dive in to hear about why:

• The three minutes of silence on New Year's Eve is actually more important than the countdown
• Regional music scenes like the Sunshine Coast are thriving
• The best festival moments are the ones you can't plan for
• Radio careers can start with naivety, volunteering, and labelling CDs (well maybe not anymore - do they still have CD's?)
• Harley thinks he's one type of pumpkin when in fact we all agree he is another.

Want to join Sarah, Harley and 450 other acts at this year's festival?

TIX HERE: https://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

FOR MORE:

Sarah Howells: https://www.instagram.com/sarahinthehowells

Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective: https://www.scmic.org/

Harley: https://www.harleybreen.com.au/

CREDITS:

Host: Harley Breen

Guest: Sarah Howells

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #WoodfrodFolkFestival25 #SarahHowells #TripleJ #DoubleJ #ABCRadio #HarleyBreen #WoodfordProgram #FestivalSeason #BobbyAlu #SpankieJackson #WilliamCrighton #FrankAndLouis #SunshineCoastMusic #SCMIC #AustralianMusic #FolkFestival #MusicDiscovery #FestivalCommunity

Join the Woodfordian Citizens:

Perks -

- Bi-Monthly emails sharing the ins and outs of the world of Woodfordia and the people who keep the heart beating.

- Special invites to special events on site at Woodfordia. Super special.

- Bonus podcast content

- Early early bird access to Woodford Folk Festival tickets

- Early access to workshop bookings at Woodford Folk Festival

Visit: woodfordia.org/woodfordia/become-a-citizen

More information at www.woodfordia.org

For the festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

For Harley: https://www.harleybreen.com.au/

Credits:

Host: Harley Breen

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

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