Today, I'm sitting down with Youna — a creative spirit from Bankstown who is quietly, and boldly choosing authenticity in a world obsessed with polish.

Raised in the in-between space of analogue childhood and the wild rise of the internet, she grew up on computer games, animation, and heart-fluttering stories - worlds that felt expansive when real life felt small.

Through building worlds with her hands - the paper cuts, prints, stickers and zines, Youna is creating art that insists on being human.

This is a conversation about growing up online, staying soft in a digital age, and daring to believe that handmade beauty still matters.

On today’s show, we have journalist, writer, and multidisciplinary creative whose work sits at the intersection of First Nations affairs, and cross-cultural storytelling.

Raised in a proudly Aboriginal and multicultural family, Phoebe McIlwraith — grew up surrounded by the belief that stories can move people to act.

From law to media, to television journalism, her path has been anything but linear … and that’s exactly where its power lies.

This is a conversation on learning to find your voice, and enacting your instinct to create change.

Listen to the full episode via: @t_4_n_y_4_

Makeup artist and creative Pamela Madoro joins the show to talk art in all its forms, reclaiming beauty, and why personality, patience and pushing past outdated standards matter more than ever.

Stay connected/find the full convo: @t_4_n_y_4_

In this week’s show, I sit down for a heartfelt conversation with Shakaiah Perez (Lady Shaka). Together, we trace her journey from a vibrant childhood to becoming the acclaimed DJ and artist she is today.

As we talk, I find myself inspired by the creative forces that shaped her (from hip hop to Bollywood) and the way dance competitions, moving abroad, and navigating adversity all built her resilience. It’s a reminder of how powerful it can be when we back ourselves and honour where we come from.

This episode feels like a celebration of culture, identity, and artistic courage. I hope you feel the warmth that I did: an honest, uplifting reminder that representation matters, community carries us, and our stories deserve to be heard.

This week on Tuesday Lunch, Joy Ng joins the show. As one of the former owners of Sydney’s iconic The Bearded Tit, we talk about the bar’s legacy, its impact on the local creative scene, and what comes next after its doors closed last month.

It’s a conversation about growth, taking the scenic route, and the possibilities that open up when you take a chance.

Stay connected: @t_4_n_y_4_

Sometimes, the best stories begin with a spontaneous decision. What started as a “eat, pray, love” adventure turned into a powerful reminder of how small and connected our world is.

In today’s Tuesday Lunch, we explore that very sense of connection - through the lens of community radio. Emily Roadhouse is a fellow community radio host from Calgary, Alberta (Canada), whose station channels the same energy and spirit as our beloved fbi.

Together, we dive into the magic that happens when local voices find their frequency, the importance of community radio, its role in amplifying diverse perspectives, and how policy changes like Bill C-18 are shaping the future of independent media in Canada (and possibly beyond).

Tune in for stories about finding home in unexpected places, and why local radio matters more than ever.

Stay connected: @t_4_n_y_4_

This week on Tuesday Lunch, Yesha Patel - founder of after, a company tackling textile waste - joins me to talk about how we can rethink fashion’s throwaway culture. The statistics around textile waste are staggering, but Yesha shares how small, practical changes at every level have a big impact.

Plus, all the juicy new music you’ve been craving! Fresh tracks, hidden gems, and a few surprises to get you through the day.

Stay connected: @t_4_n_y_4_

In this week’s episode, I sit down with illustrator and zine-maker Oliver Reyes to talk about how pocket-sized art can carry big ideas.

It’s a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about creativity, community, and the quiet power in the lines, textures, and stories we share.

Stay up to date with his upcoming collaboration project.