Before I even heard Joshua Idehen's debut album, I Know You're Hurting, Everyone Is Hurting, Everyone Is Trying, You Have Got To Try, a trusted friend told me it would become one of my favorite records. In hindsight, it’s crazy how he couldn't have been more right. Blending spoken word with electronic music, house, gospel, jazz, and dance, Joshua and producer Ludvig Parment have created something that feels both deeply personal and universally comforting. In this conversation, Joshua opens up about the emotional foundation behind the album, why acknowledging life's darkness is essential to finding hope, and how building (and losing) friendship and community carried him through difficult seasons. Together, we explore grief, gratitude, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to keep trying when life feels overwhelming; something that I imagine many of us can relate to in 2026. Out of all the talks I’ve shared with you recently, this is the one that I already know I’ll return to for years to come.

Big Special are a punk duo from England's Black Country whose music feels completely inseparable from where they come from. Full of grit, humour, vulnerability and soul, Joe and Callum make songs that are as emotionally raw as they are confrontational; often showcasing a brutality that’s somehow always inviting.

I won't spoil the story of how I fell in love with this band, which comes up pretty early within this episode, but I will say this: I fucking love these guys, and I know that you will too. At a time when so much can feel polished, airbrushed, and stale, Big Special continues to make music that feels startlingly human.

The band will be touring the US this autumn, along with an extended tour of Europe and the UK until the end of the year. Be sure to see their tour dates and to catch them live; trust me, it’ll change your life.

For over 15 years, Michelle Grace Hunder has built one of the most distinctive careers in music photography, capturing everyone from emerging artists to global stars while helping shape the visual identity of Australian hip-hop. An ARIA Award-winning photographer and official Nikon Creator based in Melbourne, Michelle's work has appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone and NME, and she's toured internationally with artists like RUEL, while also photographing productions including Moulin Rouge! and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. However, what really sets Michelle apart is her unwavering commitment to the people standing in front of her camera, ensuring that they're represented with honesty, creativity, and heart.

On today's bonus episode, we explore what continues to drive her photography, how she's constantly reinventing herself as an artist, and why mentoring the next generation has become such an important part of her work. Whether you're a photographer, a music fan, or simply someone inspired by people who continually push themselves to evolve, Michelle's story is one that will absolutely leave you inspired.

Be sure to follow Michelle on Instagram @michelleghunder. Also, examples of her light painting that we discussed across this episode can be viewed in this gallery via Rolling Stone.