Listening to Canberra Voices

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, host Lily Stokes sits down with local dancer Belle Wills to discuss her dance journey and professional experiences. We delve into dealing with nerves, developing resilience through dance, and how Belle went from dancing in her bedroom to having the opportunity to teach internationally.

Bio: Belle Wills is a dancer and teacher at Passion and Purpose Academy. Born and raised in Canb...

Once Upon a Time… in Canberra Tino arrived from Hong Kong. Tino looked over vast empty fields, though this was not a farm in the outback. This was Canberra in the 1960s. In this captivating episode our guest Tino discusses pioneering Canberra’s restaurant scene in the 1970s. Introducing Malaysian, Pekingese, and Sichuan cuisines to reshaping Canberra’s cultural landscape and watching the city rise to a true capital city. Tino offer...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we explore the inspiring life of Ilaria Pino, a former Italian Olympian who represented Italy in softball at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games—from her early days in Italy, discovering softball, travelling, and training professionally, to her experience at the Olympics and her decision to move to Canberra. Currently working as a learning support assistant (LSA), Ilaria shares her insight...

The Truth Behind Canberra Coffee Shops explores the experiences and perspective of Dillon McElroy, a student barista working at the University of Canberra. Through a thorough and engaging conversation with Dillon, we discuss why Canberra ritualises coffee, and how that ritualisation impacts independent businesses. Dillon’s unique perspective differentiates cafes from chain coffee shops, and explores the unique experience of working...

In this episode, students of the University of Canberra talk to a local Australian Defence Force Academy student, Matthew Tyo, who moved from America to Australia. Matthew shares his motivations for joining the Australian Defence Force as well as his experiences studying at ADFA. Listen in as we discuss the big differences between Australia and America as well as the current Australian military culture.

Bio: Joseph Matthew Tyo (...

In this episode, we sit down with a 22-year-old, small business owner, and a thriving member of Canberra’s queer alternative scene. We dive into stories of his youth and share with you his past as a young queer child in Canberra. We discuss the often-overlooked stories of queer-hood and share light on issues within the community. So please, relax and listen in as we share with you the story of Spencer Burns.

Bio: Spencer Burns i...

This podcast episode will delve into the life of our guest, Jo Prego, a Spanish Australian residing in Canberra, Australia since 1970. Our focus for today's episode will be on discussing the racism that Jo has experienced or witnessed in Canberra and the improvements that have been made to address these issues. Jo's experiences of childhood bullying and discrimination highlight the prevalent racism and discrimination during the 197...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we sit down with Anika Chan to explore the worlds of music and science, and her experience of being in those fields. We explore the challenges and triumphs she has experienced, which leaves you with a fresh perspective of her work. This episode uncovers the fascinating truths of each industry, resulting in thought provoking conversations about inequality for women in STEM, the differ...

This episode of Listening to Canberra Voices contains descriptions of conflict and the impact of trauma on children, listener discretion is advised. In 1991, Antonia became a refugee when Dubrovnik was besieged due to ongoing fighting in the Croatian War of Independence. She was 11 years old. Because of her experience, in Croatia, the natural world felt dangerous and hostile. Living in Canberra presented Antonia with the opportunit...

Imagine living with your body constantly twitching and moving and then add verbal tics on top of it. Meet Peta Longhurst, an amazing individual who lives with Tourette’s. Tourette’s is a neurological condition with research indicating that as many as one in 100 school children may be affected in Australia. Tourette’s is more than tics and more than just swearing, with only 10 percent of people with the condition having coprolalia (...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we explore the dynamic music scene of Canberra, featuring interviews with emerging musicians who are leaving their mark on the capital. Lachlan McPherson, a local music expert and member of the heavy metal band Highland Light, shares insights into his dual roles as a band member and indie solo artist as well as what it is like behind the camera. We also hear from Lilly, a female arti...

In this episode, hosts Ella Crane and Connor Hedley interview local award-winning musician Sylvia Wang. Sylvia is a second-generation migrant and avid volunteer, providing accompaniment for the Australian Military Wives Choir and performing with local band ‘Napoleon Ice Cream’. Join us as Sylvia takes us through her tale of migration, education, music and a profound message as to what it means to be ‘perfect’.

Bio: Sylvia Wang i...

In this episode, we sit down with a local cake business owner, university student, and social media content creator Ebony May. Ebony shares her story of developing her passion into a successful business while juggling her other responsibilities. Listen in as we discuss her challenges, triumphs, and tips and tricks for aspiring entrepreneurs and social media content creators.

Creators: Mack Holz, Jessica Thway

Attribution: Spa...

In this episode of ‘Listening to Canberra Voices’, join hosts Sophie Byrnes and Jacquie Dring as they interview UC film student Jake Lacy. Jake hails from New Jersey USA and is the current vice president of the UC film society as well as the host of a podcast for UCFM, ‘Off Camera’. We discuss the Canberra film industry and delve into the impacts of the film writers strikes on the future of the film industry.

Bio: Jake Lacy is a...

In this episode of ‘Canberra Voices’ we talk to Lynne Simpson, a local Canberran who has lived here for most of her life. Lynne tells us about what Canberra was like when she first arrived in Australia from England, and how it has changed throughout the years. The episode focuses on the theatre scene and shocked even the hosts with the revelation of the construction of one major Canberra icon.

Bio: Lynne Simpson, 74, is a Canber...

In this episode, we explore the world of Ph.D. research with Senada Meskin, a faculty member at the University of Canberra's Faculty of Arts and Design. Recorded just after Senada's victory in the Three Minute Thesis competition, we discuss her passion for research, ties to the Canberra community, and her mission to debunk misconceptions about Muslim women in the workforce.

Bio: Senada Meskin is a mother and an educator who's pa...

This episode of the Listening to Canberra Voices podcast follows the voice of our host, Harrison Waddell, in discussion with guest, Samuel Byrnand. In the episode Byrnand discusses his personal and professional experiences, describing his time at the University of Canberra as a student and teacher. Starting with his childhood in rural New Zealand, the episode follows Byrnand’s journey in academia, his transition to lecturing, and h...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, join our host Sam Mueller and co-host Peter Jiang as they delve into the world of video gaming with the talented Richard "Rik" Lagarto. With years of experience as a writer, narrative designer, and game designer, Richard has a wealth of knowledge to share. We'll be exploring the unique gaming culture of Canberra, Australia, and discovering how Richard's passion for video games has dr...