Well, Well, Well

Anal cancer rates are rising worldwide, but particularly among gay and bisexual men and people living with HIV, where incidence is significantly higher.

We’re joined by Dr. Matthew Marino, a general and colorectal surgeon who offers high-resolution anoscopy screening in Melbourne.

He breaks down what anal cancer is, its causes and symptoms, and why certain communities face disproportionate risk.

We explore why screening optio...

Many queer people living in suburban and regional Victoria struggle to access mental health care despite growing community needs.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals aim to fill this gap for people aged 26 and up in places like Melton and Dandenong.

But what are some of the considerations when serving diverse populations, managing logistical ch...

In light of International Women’s Day on March 8, we discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of LBQ+ women navigating cultural expectations.

Rachel and Molly kick off by reflecting on the pride festival season coming to an end, and the lingering comedown you may feel afterwards.

Smaller queer gatherings and creative activities can fill the gap left by large festivals, and we discuss how you can stay connected to your commu...

Meredith from Chillout joins us to discuss Victoria’s longest‑running regional queer festival and teases out its evolution over three decades.

This modest grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone event for our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, and plays a pivotal role in fostering visibility and belonging in rural settings.

Shaped by both tradition and innovation, organising this multi‑day celebration isn’t easy given t...

Director Sophie Hyde and actor Aud-Mason Hyde unpack the new film, Jimpa, tracing the story’s roots to Professor Jim Hyde.

Jim was a pivotal figure in Australia’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we explore how his legacy informs today’s intergenerational queer conversations.

Cal and Jake reflect on the film’s café scenes, the emotional rehearsal process with older gay men, and the challenges of translating lived trauma...

How can we strengthen community ties with a queer Lunar New Year celebration?

James Tapa from Gay Asian Proud (GAP) joins us to discuss the unique challenges faced by multicultural LGBTQ+ people navigating health services, voting, and social belonging in Australia.

He explores with Joel and Jack personal anecdotes about family reunions, lion‑dance performances, and the symbolism behind the zodiac animal of the year.

GAP’s sis...

We dive into the TV series Heated Rivalry, exploring how the show portrays LGBTQ+ athletes in a mixed‑gender ice‑hockey setting.

Kade and Shell from Southern Lights Hockey join Jack and Jake to discuss their local queer ice-hockey team, the series’ blend of drama and advocacy, and more.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore...

Sarah Hiley, Drug Checking Director at The Loop Australia joins Jack to discuss the Victorian Pill Testing Service and its role in harm‑reduction.

The service will be present at Victoria’s Pride Street Party, offering a safe, non‑judgmental space for festival‑goers to have their substances tested.

Sarah walks us through the testing process, from anonymous sample submission to rapid results, and highlights the limits and accuracy of...

Jack speaks with Julai Diesel ahead of the THH Vogue Night event running during Midsumma and discuss what the ballroom scene looks like in Melbourne, where it serves as a survival‑focused, queer‑affirming community built around competition, performance, and chosen family.

They speak about the House of Diesel’s origins, its partnership with Thorne Harbour Health, and the ways Australian houses stay connected to the historic U....

Wise Words returns this Midsumma to feature a line-up of some of Australia’s most prominent and talented LGBTIQ+ women (trans and non-binary inclusive) for an evening of intergenerational storytelling.

Candy Bowers will MC this year’s edition and we hear about her background in acting, production, writing, and more.

Grab tickets to Wise Words on the Midsumma website: https://www.midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/wise-word...

Dylan from the City of Yarra and Tex McKenzie speak about the Yarra Queer History Walk, a guided tour that traces Melbourne’s queer‑footprints through Fitzroy, Collingwood and Abbotsford.

Jack is also joined by Rachel Cook and Chiron Hooson from Thorne Harbour to discuss the Community Periodic Surveys, our presence at Carnival, and more.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwel...

Jack, Jake and Thorne Harbour Health Events Coordinator Chiron Hooson walk through a whirlwind 2025.

We revisit events from Midsumma Festival, murder‑mystery parties and regional pride pop‑ups, to a record‑breaking World AIDS Day Red Ribbon Run and the revival of Northside Bazaar.

Gus from Thorne Harbour’s family violence counselling team adds a quick roundup of the work their team does, 657 client contacts, new funding strea...

Molly Boorman from Thorne Harbour Health unpacks holiday wellbeing for LGBTIQ+ folk, from family driven stress to managing alcohol and other drug use.

Molly shares practical tools like self compassion, safety planning, group peer support and when to access services like Direct Line, Rainbow Door and Lifeline.

She also speaks with Jack and Jake about online intake options and the importance of creating new, affirming traditions when...

Cal talks with South Australian Legislative Council Member Ian Hunter about the murder of George Duncan that ignited South Australia’s push to decriminalise male homosexuality in 1975.

Ian walks us through the behind the scenes lobbying by students, academic, law societies, and politicians that turned this historic event into legislative reform.

He also explains how early AIDS activism blended community organising with direct acces...

In the final episode of our 16 Days of Activism series, we’re turning to the health and support systems themselves.

We talk about how mainstream family violence services can better support queer clients and what the sector can learn from the community led response with Gus and Vincent from Thorne Harbour Health.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s so...

Ending intimate partner and gender violence means supporting those who use harm to change.

In this episode we explore what that looks like in queer relationships with Gus and Vincent from Thorne Harbour Health’s family violence counselling team.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or ...