Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and Coombesy
Coombesy is the medical professional, Dr Liz writes descriptions not prescriptions. We talk about different types of art from across eras and genres, and how these have helped us in good times and bad. Don’t mistake this for actual medical advice, but do come along for the jokes, the name drops and the delightfully daggy love of music videos. Based in Australia, we are lovers of pop, sport, theatre, comedy, magic, cabaret and more. Art IS therapy and a vital part of being alive.
Episodes
This episode sees the return of our darling friend Greg Sowell, aka The Sowellman! Talking about Coombesy's upcoming show Tumour Has It (you can book via the Melbourne Fringe and follow via FB) in this ep we also find out a former job Greg and KTG had - not on my bingo card at all! As always, we appreciate you x
Did you know handstands can be unofficial art therapy? You can watch from afar to benefit - you don't have to do them yourselves - although hearing about Coombesy's experience seeing Mario teach his little Lola will certainly soothe your soul! Mario Queen of the Circus, aka Clarke McFarlane, is our guest today. A joy to hear more of his story and don't forget to look him up and get out and see him if you can - Coombesy puts him up ...
A shorter one today where Coombsey and Dr Liz talk about the importance of sharing as part of unofficial art therapy - share what you know, what you like, the experience of just being with someone else who you know will love something (even if it's not your cup of tea, necessarily). With shout outs to anyone who's not ok - it's alright. Eventually, things will be, but for now, in the words of that ol' Boy Band, just let it be. We a...
It's been a while- we've missed you. In this ep we talk about the excellent Mario Queen of the Circus, the incredible Reuben Kaye and his first (of hopefully many) Adelaide Cabaret Festivals; and hugs and kisses. We appreciate you xx
This episode has keep you waiting - sorry about that! While life has taken over Coombesy has keep on - importantly planning to come out of comedy retirement for a new show Tumour Has It for Melbourne later in the year. In the ep we're a bit bumbly about the details (sorry about that) but as always Coombesy will keep you updated in the socials. We appreciate you, and do reach out if you need to - you're worth every second xx
Welcome to 2026! This episode starts with a bit of sadness (talking about the loss of lovely Joan), and with that we also move to what unofficial Art Therapy can do to help us get by. There's lots across forms like theatre, music, and tennis - hang in to see if Coombesy's current ailment is actually due to some tennis training! As always, we appreciate you, take good care and if you need help please ask. You're worth it.
Somehow we've made it to the end of 2025 (well almost, close enough). As things wind down we review the best of Art Therapy this year, while also acknowledging that for so many this has been a very hard one. Our love is with those we have lost and those who have lost loved ones, and our solidarity is with those who have been targeted. As always, please reach out for help if you need it - you are worthy of help, love and support. We...
Another ep so quickly? Why not? In this one we natter about what makes a joke good or not - and often it's not just the content but who's listening and what power they have. We also talk our faves, and have a few recommendations (not always safe for work though - be warned). As always, we appreciate you, and please reach out if you need xx
Sorry it's been a while - it's been a bit of a time! Since we've been off the mic there's been highs and lows, but importantly good (unofficial) art therapy and excellent support from friends. This one is a bit shorter than usual but hopefully still with the right vibe - including a recommendation to get into Pub Choir and the wonderful work of Astrid Jorgensen in whatever way your location and budget will allow. As always, we are ...
This episode Coombesy talks a lot about plans. Plans for when he's here, for when he's not, and the plans he made for a mate who had a theatre experience like no other! Please excuse a bit of noise on the feed (we were up against it) - and please hold dear those you love. We appreciate you, and ask if you need anything. With love, AMY! xx
This week Coombesy reports back on his epic Mega Dose of musical theatre and excellent humans - so joyful to hear his take as well as the spring in his step. Towards the end we do talk about some of the overarching themes, so there is a bit of talk about death if that triggers you or someone you love. As always, there is help available - please reach out. We appreciate you (and especially you, Colleen!)
This week Cooombesy talks about megadosing on the art therapy - a little unexpected mini festival he's undertaking that is happening around the time of a big anniversary for him too. We talk musicals, being a critic (or a selector) and of course Beetlejuice, new musicals and a bit of Rueben Kaye for good measure. As always, if you need anything please do reach out. We appreciate you x
This week Coombesy talks about his new exercise work. Guided by heart specialists he's out (or inside) walking and cycling, as well as moving towards more mindful eating. We talk about the highs and lows, the temptation and motivation, all guided by Eddie Perfect's Beetlejuice, Wil Anderson's advice on bodies and a bit random lovely nonsense in between. As always, we appreciate you.
This episode we talk a bit about all of the things - whatever music, or the rest, gets you through the night. While Coombesy works out the side effects (and sound effects) of some new meds, we give some special listener shout outs and some more comedy context. As always, we appreciate you - if you need anything, please do reach out. And look up funny monkey videos on the internet - they are always funny xx
How well do you think your bum looks now, compared to 10 years ago? Two men who can do a confident comparison are our Coombesy, and Adam Hills. Hillsey got The Man up to get his gear off as part of an onstage gag a decade ago today for the show Clown Heart. This chat looks back at, well, that backside, to see how things have changed, how we all feel, and how comedy really is the best medicine. There's some heavy discussion here in ...
In this episode Coombesy's back from one expected procedure, and one very unexpected one. There's also a heroic feat in between, and a good chat about how music is medicine. With some fun recommendations (least of all with some more shameless Reuben Kaye love - especially for his Down Under), we're thrilled to be back. There's also a chat here about mental health struggles, so if you need something please remember services like Lif...
This is a chat we recorded with our bestie Greg Sowell - it was before Christmas but only publishing now. You'll hear Coombesy is quite unwell and we need to finish up early - it's been his decision to post this anyway - not just because it's lovely to hear Christmas comparisons, but also in the interests of sharing -all in- as darling Connie told us. As always, we appreciate you
This week we talk about Coombesy's upcoming op, and importantly what music he should pick to help him calm, compose and reclaim some agency. It's a bit silly, a bit saucey, and very much open to your suggestions - we'd love to know what you would choose or think he should! Part 2 to come after is a pre-Christmas show we recorded with the Sowell man, which we explain here and will upload soon. As always, we appreciate you
This episode we celebrate 10 years of the phrase 'In Your Face, Cancer, In Your Face!', talking about the unofficial art therapy of getting your butt out to the wind (with your besties) and the joy of Tatts. Also, Coombesy is 61 not out - woo hoo! As always, we appreciate you, and if you need something, please reach out to professionals xx
This episode Coombesy and Dr Liz talk about food - are we stretching the definition of Art? Maybe. But heavens it can help - food to comfort, food to support, food as a way to do something practical for someone at a time when other stuff just doesn't seem right. Hope it doesn't make you too hungry - and hand into the end for Liz's gourmet recipe for garlic bread :) As always, if you need anything, please reach out - we appreciate y...
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