From school’s easy routine to the rigorous world of the Defence Force, Taylor Ede has been on a journey of challenge, growth, and unexpected opportunities. In this episode, Taylor shares how she went from weighing her next steps after graduation to enlisting in the Army, navigating extended basic training during COVID-19, and later transitioning into the Air Force.

We talk about what it really takes to step into military life, from the physical and mental challenges of training to finding a career path in logistics, adapting to change, and carving out space as a young woman in a male-dominated environment. Taylor reflects on the resilience she’s built, the importance of female participation in the Forces, and the possibilities she sees for travel, leadership, and further study.

Whether you’re a student curious about life beyond school, someone considering a career in the military, or simply interested in hearing a story of grit and adaptability, this conversation offers an honest look at the realities of service, the lessons it teaches, and the doors it can open.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 From School to the Forces

06:03 Why Military Experience Mattered

11:57 Inside Basic Training During COVID-19

19:51 Discovering Logistics as a Career Path

22:15 Transitioning from Army to Air Force

29:46 Life on Base and Building Community

38:25 Navigating Gender Dynamics

46:24 Lessons in Resilience and Growth

50:45 Future Aspirations and Opportunities

From high school’s high-pressure halls to the vibrant world of creative education, Holly Gascoigne has been on a journey of passion, perseverance, and pushing her own boundaries. In this episode, Holly opens up about navigating academic expectations, making the leap to university, and embracing the opportunities—and challenges—of studying abroad.

We talk about what it really takes to pursue a creative career, from finding your “why” to funding your studies, building industry connections, and getting invaluable hands-on experience. Holly shares what she’s learned from halls of residence chaos, a design course full of autonomy, a transformative stint in Madrid, and creating her own book The Queen and the Bee.

Whether you’re a student, aspiring creative, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of the creative industries, this conversation is packed with insights on following your passion, managing the financial realities of education, and carving your own path in a competitive field.

• 💡 Takeaways:
• Passion drives persistence (and career success).
• Creative education opens diverse doors.
• Studying abroad is a game-changer for personal and professional growth.
• Your network is your net worth in creative industries.
• Financial management is just as important as creative skills.
• Real-world experience beats theory alone.
• Growth happens when you push past your comfort zone.

⏱️ Chapters:

• 00:00 Navigating High School Pressures
• 04:17 The Journey to Creative Education
• 09:16 Transitioning to University Life
• 11:49 Experiences in Halls of Residence
• 17:54 Funding Education and Managing Finances
• 20:33 Exploring the Creative Design Course
• 29:30 Studying Abroad: The Madrid Experience
• 37:06 Creating The Queen and the Bee Book
• 43:09 Career Path and Future Aspirations

From spinning tracks to spinning stories, Matt Hicks has always lived at the intersection of creativity and connection. In this episode, he takes us through his winding path in the entertainment industry - from a schoolboy with a passion for performance, to a DJ and event manager, to the filmmaker behind the feature film The Tavern.

Matt opens up about the five-year journey of bringing The Tavern to life, the unique and community-driven marketing strategies that set it apart, and the challenges of making a film that truly resonates with audiences. We explore how collaboration, networking, and personal growth have shaped his creative process - and get a sneak peek into his aspirations for future projects, including heart-driven sports storytelling.

If you love behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in creative perseverance, and the magic of bringing people together through art, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🎧 How DJing & event management paved the way for filmmaking

🍻 The five-year labour of love behind The Tavern

📣 Creative grassroots marketing strategies that worked

🤝 Why collaboration & community matter more than ever

🏅 Matt’s vision for positive, uplifting sports storytelling