"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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You could make a clarinet out of a carrot and a bagpipe from rubber gloves... The whole point is not taking the world around us for granted."

In this episode, Harley sits down with long time Woodfordian Linsey Pollak, a musical wonder, craftsperson, and what Harley calls a "perpetual toddler" of endless curiosity and excitement.

What starts as a conversation about the strange-looking instruments on the table becomes an epic tale of experimentation, craft, and following passion wherever it leads. Some would say, making your own luck with the opportunities life throws at you.

With a lifetime of musical exploration, he shares his journey from picking up a secondhand clarinet at 11, through high school experimental bands to creating finely crafted renaissance instrument masterpieces and finding a mentor in Macedonia after a kombi breakdown.

He talks about the beauty of being silly with your craft, why not taking things (or people) for granted matters, and how meeting the right people can completely reshape your creative journey.

Linsey also brings his rubber glove bagpipe to demonstrate the instrument that perfectly captures his philosophy: function without pretense, silliness as serious art.

Catch Linsey this Woodford with his band Gosti I Gosti serenading the Chai Tent.

This episode is for:

• Musicians and makers asking themselves "is there another way to do this?"
• People who love craft and getting their hands dirty
• Anyone who's ever felt called to drop their original plan and follow curiosity instead
• People who believe you should question assumptions about what objects are "supposed" to do

Dive in to hear about why:

• A planned science career can completely pivot into something magical and unexpected
• Australian desert timbers like gidgey and mulga create instruments as unique as the maker
• Craft and playfulness aren't opposites - they thrive beautifully together

FOR MORE:

Linsey Pollak: https://www.linseypollak.com/

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

Tickets to Woodford Folk Festival: https://woodfordfolkfestival.com/

CREDITS: Host: Harley Breen | Guest: Linsey Pollak | Producer: Benny Wallington | Recorded on Gubbi Gubbi Country | Music by: The East Pointers & Linsey Pollak | Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #LinseyPollak #MusiciansOfWoodford #InstrumentMaker #DIYCulture #ExperimentalMusic #Craft #FoundObjects #QueenslandMusic #IndependentMusic #HarleyBreen #CreativeCurious #MusiciansLife #CommunityOverCommerce

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Your music, if it's as important as it is to me, is your soul."

In this episode, Harley sits down with 21-year-old singer-songwriter Tiffany Grace before her Sunset Session at Lake Gula camping. Fresh from moving to Brisbane just six months ago, Tiffany shares her journey from performing at Mackay fairs at 13 to being selected for the APRA AMCOS Songmakers program at Woodford, where 10 artists from across Australia were chosen to co-write, learn from mentors, and perform at the festival.

The conversation goes deep into what it means to be a young artist in 2025, navigating social media demands, staying independent despite industry pressures, and why sometimes you have to turn down opportunities to keep your soul intact. They discuss the brutal economics of streaming (sorry Spotify), why buying CDs and coming to live shows actually matters, the loneliness of being a solo artist, and how programs like Songmakers create communities that understand what it's like to be a young modern musician.

Tiffany also drops news about her debut album "Ripples in Time", her first-ever tour, and why her only definition of success is making music.

This episode is for:

• Young artists figuring out if they can actually make a career out of their passion
• Parents of talented kids who want to know how to nurture their talent/ bring them to Woodford ;)
• Anyone who believes community and authenticity matter more than quick fame

Dive in to hear about why:

• Buying CDs and coming to live shows is how independent artists actually survive
• Being a solo artist can be lonely as hell, but the right community makes all the difference
• "Making it" doesn't necessarily mean stadiums but following your passion and being able to support yourself doing it
• Moving to the country to the city cold be part of a successful journey

FOR MORE: Tiffany Grace: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanygracemusic

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

Join us at the Woodford Folk Festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

Learn about Songmakers: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/songmakers

Become a Citizen: https://woodfordfolkfestival.com/become-a-citizen/

CREDITS:

Host: Harley Breen Guest: Tiffany Grace Producer: Benny Wallington Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison Video Production: Coeur Visual Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #TiffanyGrace #Songmakers #EmergingArtists #IndependentMusic #QueenslandMusic #BrisbaneMusic #MackayMusic #HarleyBreen #ArtisticIntegrity #YoungArtists #MusicCommunity #SupportLocalArtists #CountryFolkPop #IndieArtist #RipplesInTime

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The first time we met was at Woodford when I was volunteering... and then getting to open for you a few weeks ago was very, very special."

In this ep' Harley brings together two artists whose paths crossed in the most beautiful way. Rhi (Merpire) was playing at Woodford last year and Tessa Fleur was volunteering in the production team. Fast forward to earlier this year and Tessa opened for Rhi at her show in Brisbane.

The three dive into the beauty of mentorship over competition, why Melbourne isn't the only place for great music (Queensland punches way above its weight), the economics of being an artist in 2025, and how community support is the only thing keeping the whole creative ecosystem alive.

Rhi shares why she's taking a break to figure out music's role in her life, Tessa drops some massive news about Berlin and upcoming releases, and they both talk about a curious Q&A format on stage that breaks down the fourth wall and builds real connection with artists and their audience.

Also: horny songs, hot water bottle sausage dogs, the Woodford Lettering House, and why short toilet lines are an underrated festival flex.

Dive in to hear about why:

• Putting out Instagram callouts for support acts can build genuine community.
• Queensland artists work their butts off to prove themselves to Sydney and Melbourne and it shows.
• Mentorship goes both ways.
• Taking breaks from the hustle isn't weakness.
• Volunteering backstage at festivals can literally change your career trajectory.
• Community over competition isn't just a nice phrase, it's how artists survive.
• Mum's love coming to Woodford

FOR MORE:

Merpire: https://www.merpiremusic.com/

Tessa Fleur: https://www.instagram.com/tessa__fleur

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

Come to the Woodford Folk Festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

CREDITS:

Host: Harley Breen

Guests: Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt (Merpire) & Tessa Fleur

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

Video Production: Coeur Visual

Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #Merpire #TessaFleur #QueenslandMusic #MusicCommunity #ArtistMentorship #BrisbaneMusic #HarleyBreen #FestivalConnections #Woodfordia #SupportLocalArtists #IndieMusic

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Asking someone 'can I pay you with a story?' is literally the coolest f***ing thing ever."

For this episode of Radio Woodfordia, Harley has a yarn with Mykel Dixon about the complex dimensions of creativity and its significance in our contemporary world. They explore the hurdles we face in reclaiming our creative essence, the dual role of technology as both a barrier and a catalyst for creativity, and the critical role of community in fostering artistic expression.

Mykel shares his transformative journey from globetrotting musician to corporate speaker, highlighting the indispensable role of creativity in both business and personal realms. This ep' is laced with a powerful call to action, urging us all to embrace our creative potential and support each other in a society that often overlooks the value of artistry.

Dive in to hear about why:

• Creativity is a cornerstone for both personal and professional development.
• Despite its economic impact, the arts industry remains undervalued.
• Community backing is vital for nurturing creative talents.
• Technology can impede creativity AND also opens new avenues.
• Parenting should foster creative expression in children.
• The creative process is as significant as the final product.
• Creativity should be a daily practice, not a scheduled event.
• Living creatively can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Become a Woodfordia Citizen:

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 from Mykel: https://www.mykeldixon.com/

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

Come to the Woodford Folk Festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

Credits:

Host: Harley Breen

Guest: Mykel Dixon

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

Video Production: Coeur Visual

Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #FestivalStories #CommunityCulture #mykeldixon #corporatecreativity #HarleyBreen # Hecklershutdown #standupcomedy #woodfordia #woodfordfolkfestival

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The essence of a festival goes beyond just entertainment."

For this episode of Radio Woodfordia, host Harley Breen sits down with McBride to explore the intricate world of festival management and the social experiment that is Woodford Folk Festival. Listen in as they dive into the journey from Canadian backpacker to festival operations expert, and discover what it really takes to bring together diverse communities for transformative experiences on 500 acres of Woodfordia.

If you love festivals, community building, volunteering culture and stories about people turning passion into purpose, this is definitely a podcast for you.

Dive in to hear about:

• The Social Experiment: How festivals bring together diverse people and create magic through managed chaos
• From Backpacker to Builder: McBride's journey from Canadian visitor to festival operations expert and what drew them to stay
• The Art of People Management: The complex but rewarding challenge of coordinating thousands of volunteers and patrons
• Beyond Entertainment: What truly defines a festival and why it goes deeper than just music and arts
• Community Engagement: How citizenship programs and volunteer culture create the heart of Woodford's success

Notable Quotes:

"The festival is a social experiment bringing diverse people together."

"Volunteering can be a privilege, but it also comes with costs."

Want to support Woodfordia and this podcast? Become a Woodfordia Citizen: 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: www.woodfordia.org/woodfordia/become-a-citizen

Festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

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

Credits: Host: Harley Breen Guest: McBride Producer: Benny Wallington Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #FestivalManagement #CommunityBuilding #VolunteerCulture #SocialExperiment #FestivalLife #Woodfordia #Backpacker

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You can be your own character, your own avatar... You can be a part of the history of this world."

For this episode of Radio Woodfordia, host Harley Breen dives into the magical world of live action role play with the creators behind 'Champions of Woodfordia'—the immersive gaming experience returning to Woodford Folk Festival. Listen in as they explore how video game mechanics meet festival culture, creating a space where creativity, community, and adventure collide on the 500 acres of Woodfordia.

If you love gaming, festivals, community building and stories about people creating extraordinary experiences from scratch, this is definitely a podcast for you.

Dive in to hear about:

• Evolution of LARP: How live action role play found its way back to Woodford with a new name - Live Action Gaming
• Champions of Woodforia: The mechanics behind this immersive game that lets players create their own characters and write festival history
• Building a World: From economy systems to character development—how they're creating a living, breathing game environment
• Community First: Why the focus is on collaboration, not competition, and how spectators become part of the story
• Festival Innovation: How gaming culture and festival culture are creating something entirely new together

Notable Quotes: "You can be your own character, your own avatar... You can be a part of the history of this world."

"The game mechanics are inspired by video games like World of Warcraft, but the heart is pure Woodford community."

To attend the Festival and play Champions of Woodfordia: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

Want to support Woodfordia and this podcast? Become a Woodfordia Citizen: 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: www.woodfordia.org/woodfordia/become-a-citizen

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

Rainbow Knights: https://www.instagram.com/champions.of.woodfordia/

Credits: Host: Harley Breen

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison Audio mastering:

Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #LiveActionRolePlay #ChampionsOfWoodforia #Gaming #CommunityBuilding #ImmersiveExperience #FestivalInnovation #LARP #CreativeExpression

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.