Future History

Sioné Taufa is the Founder and Creative Director of LOWF Apparel. A former professional rugby player, Sioné transitioned from the discipline of sport into the world of fashion. With LOWF, he champions intentionality over trends creating garments that reflect his ethos and lifestyle inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian culture, architecture and the idea of slowing down The brand values storytelling, craftsmanship, and authenticity at every level.On this episode Sioné shares how he started a fashion brand with ethos before product, why intentional design beats fast fashion trends, drawing inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian culture & architecture, lessons from building a long-term brand, how LOWF’s collaboration with The Roots came about and so much more.Follow Sioné on Instagram: @sionetaufa__/Follow LOWF Apparel on Instagram: @lowf__apparel/----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Daniel O’Toole is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, sound and moving image. Known for his vibrant abstractions and experimental approach, O’Toole explores the intersections of sensory experiences. His work often bridges visual and auditory realms, creating immersive environments that challenge how we see and feel art. His latest exhibition, Noisy Eyes, draws directly from his experience of Visual Snow Syndrome, translating the condition’s static and perceptual noise into immersive visual and sound works.On this episode we explore how Daniel O’Toole translates his experience of Visual Snow Syndrome into immersive art, how his practice bridges painting, sound, and sculpture into multisensory environments, what synaesthesia and sensory crossovers reveal about creative process, how the Light and Space movement informs his approach to environment and perception in his work, why risk-taking and evolution are essential to sustaining an art practice and how experimenting with tools can open up entirely new creative directions and so much more.Follow Daniel on Instagram: @daniel.otoole----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

JESWRI is a multifaceted Gadigal artist of the Eora Nation who came into prominence as a graffiti writer, with a career that spans advertising, NFTs, and large-scale murals. A proud co-founder of Honey Bones Gallery and an Archibald Prize portrait finalist, he continues to push boundaries across disciplines. Through his work, JESWRI opens a dialogue about mental health and sparks meaningful conversations around taboo topics, using his many creative practices as a platform for connection.On this episode, we talk about how JESWRI moved from graffiti to galleries, why community has always been central to his practice, how authenticity matters more than pandering in art and online culture, why fear mongering in the arts discourages people from speaking out, the divide between art and commercial objectives, why he sometimes acts as a mouthpiece for others in the industry, the role of street art in social commentary, why cultural tokenism and the exploitation of Aboriginal art remain ongoing problem and so much more.Follow JESWRI on Instagram: @jeswri----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Tom Blachford is a commercial and creative photographer renown for his imagery that blurs the line between reality and imagination. Best known for his long-running Midnight Modern series, moonlit photographs of mid-century Palm Springs, Tom weaves narrative into his photos using both traditional photography and AI tools. His work challenges perception, invites curiosity and has been exhibited globally.On this episode, Tom shares how he creates imagery that blurs the line between reality and fiction with AI tools, how his Midnight Modern series captures Palm Springs architecture under the full moon, why the saturation of AI imagery is making analogue processes more valuable, the problem with AI showing up in every corner of life and eroding trust in what we see, hear and experience and so much more.Follow Tom on Instagram: @blachford----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Ahren Morris is the Managing Director at Dreamscreen Australia, a state of the art LED virtual production studio. Using advanced LED wall technology, Dreamscreen enables filmmakers to create immersive, lifelike environments in real time. Their mission is to make virtual production more accessible and opening the doors for creators at every level to rethink how stories in video form are made.On this episode, Ahren shares how virtual production is transforming the filmmaking process, how LED stages enable real-time collaboration between directors, cinematographers, and VFX artists, how Dreamscreen is making this cutting-edge technology accessible to filmmakers at every level, why virtual production requires stronger creative vision in pre-production, how it’s opening new possibilities in storytelling and visual effects, why the future of filmmaking is deeply collaborative and so much more.Follow Dreamscreen on Instagram: @dreamscreenaustraliaVisit Dreamscreen’s website: www.dreamscreenaustralia.com----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

GT Sewell is a visual artist, sculptor, poet, and co-founder of 247art. With extensive experience directing galleries like Versus Gallery, MilkBar, and Oshi, GT blends the digital and physical art worlds. Alongside Jane Rolls, 247art is set out to transform the gallery model and help artists connect with a wider, next-gen audience.On this episode we dive into how Gen Z is reshaping the future of art creating and collecting, how artists can build broader ecosystems around their work, how digital applications are integrated extensions of how we live, how traditional blue-chip artistry is being redefined by a new wave of red and purple-chip artists, why the new art gallery model is necessary, what are smart contracts, how they can empower artists and so much more.-00:00 Intro01:54 AI, VR and AR integration16:14 Retiring Oshi Gallery20:03 Traditional x Digital Art34:04 Physical vs NFT Drop37:10 New Generation of Collectors45:41 The Artist is the Business48:14 247Art - The Evolution of the Gallery01:06:32 The Undefined Artist Pathway01:09:31 Building on Experience01:15:07 Smart Contracts-Follow XXXX on Instagram: @gtsewellVisit XXXX’s website: @_247art⁠----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.co Follow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Benjamin Cooper is the Executive Chef at Melbourne’s iconic restaurant Chin Chin. With a background that spans fine dining in the UK and Europe to leading some of Australia’s busiest kitchens, Benjamin brings a balance of technique, intuition and creativity to his work. He is also the author of three cookbooks in the Chin Chin Collection: The Book, Feed Me and Still Hungry.On this episode, Benjamin reflects on the early decisions that shaped his career, the importance of curiosity, adaptability and and creative risk-taking, how philosophy guides his work, how nourishment goes beyond food to become a form of connection, how great restaurants create moments of true presence, how vision and collaboration bring a restaurant to life, the responsibility that comes with hospitality, how purpose and reason evolve over a lifetime and so much more.-00:00 – Intro03:02 – Kitchens & Creativity07:45 – Led by Curiosity12:10 – Lessons from High-Volume Service20:55 – Asian Culture25:15 – Australian Identity30:14 – Kitchen Choreography32:41 – Nourishment, Pleasure, and Presence37:12 – Collaborative brand Building43:55 – Gatekeeping vs Natural Evolution48:55 – Philosophy Over Process55:51 – Purpose, Reason, and Sacrifice1:03:20 – Chin Chin and the Lucas Legacy1:14:29 – Guiding Philosophy1:15:51 – Redefining Imposter Syndrome-Follow Benjamin on Instagram: @chefjamincooper----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Wayne Lim is a designer, artist, and host of the Future History podcast, with a career that spans nearly two decades across design, brand strategy and illustration. Having worked with brands like T2 Tea, Marvel, Museums Victoria, and Basketball Australia, he is now shifting focus back to his roots in visual art. Through both his podcast and his artwork, his focus is on process over outcomes using creativity as a tool for reflection, growth, making work that’s true to his experience and grounded in curiosity.On this episode, Wayne is joined by special guest host, his wife Stacey Lim as they reflect on his journey from design to art, how the podcast was the result of a chapter of life challenges, lessons from pasts guests, the importance of making work for yourself where you're the only measure that matters, why hard work will always beat talent, how lessons from one pursuit can inform and strengthen all the others, why discipline is more reliable than motivation and so much more.-00:00 - Intro05:43 - Why I Had to Start This Podcast11:44 - Running: The First Step Out of Rock Bottom15:38 - Learning There Are No Limits22:04 - Reflecting on Past Episodes25:59 - Having Faith in Your Capabilities30:50 - Benefits and Philosophy of Marathon Training39:24 - When Fear Looks Like Self-Sabotage47:13 - The Mindset Shift: Challenges Are the Way50:12 - Why Execution Matters More Than the Idea59:16 - Choose Your Hard1:02:40 - The Creative Ripple Effect1:07:56 - From Comparison to Motivation1:12:58 - The Fallacy of Personal Brands1:23:56 - Finding Genuine Confidence1:30:36 - Final Thoughts-Follow Stacey on Instagram: @staceylimrocks----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Eddie Zammit is an art director and cultural curator. With a career spanning decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian creative landscape through magazines, brand collaborations and T-World, a globally recognised publication covering all things T-shirts. Most notable are the exhibitions Eddie curated - Sesame Street 50 Years and Counting, Micky Mouse 90th Birthday, Daniel Johns: Past, Present & FutureNever, Shepard Fairey: Printed Matters Sydney, the Benalla Street Art Festival, most recently, Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary.On this episode, Eddie shares how nostalgia can be a tool for creative innovation, why curation is about storytelling as much as aesthetics, and what makes an exhibition truly immersive. We discuss the power of pop culture, the psychology behind enduring creative work, the importance of his values in quality, originality and longevity. We dive into the thinking behind exhibitions he’s curated for Mambo, Mickey Mouse, and Daniel Johns and how curation, when done well, becomes a cultural archive plus so much more.-00:00 - Intro01:57 - Art Direction vs Curation05:27 - Creative Values: Quality, Originality, Longevity08:58 - The Mambo Legacy & Brand Perception12:51 - Style, Originality & Personal Voice16:15 - The Role of Memory in Creative Work20:28 - Cultural References, Aging & Creative Timelessness25:01 - Daniel Johns Exhibition, Unused Mambo Art and Australia's Cultural Identity35:42 - Designing Immersive Exhibitions46:10 - The Power of Artists, Legacy, Persistence & Creating Without Limits54:53 - Personal Drive and the Emotional Investment01:04:53 - Basketball Culture & Creative Energy in Sport01:07:10 - Unexpected Creative Pairings01:16:00 - Australia’s Cultural Identity on the Olympic World Stage01:22:48 - The Benalla Art Festival - Embracing Artistic Identity01:27:50 - Building Value, strategy and branding as an Artist-Follow Eddie on Instagram: @eddiezammit----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

SPOTIFY#48 - Tinky Sonntag - Finding Magic in the MundaneTinky Sonntag is a Melbourne-based installation and street artist known for her whimsical miniature dioramas that transform overlooked urban spaces into scenes of playful storytelling. Her art reimagines vintage and discarded materials into darkly humorous scenes, paired with witty captions that highlight the absurdity and beauty of everyday life.On this episode, we explore the power of observation, the value of finding meaning in the mundane, and how humour and absurdity can be tools to process life’s heavier themes. Tinky shares insights on embracing imperfection, letting go of ego, and balancing humility with creative confidence. We discuss how storytelling can emerge from overlooked details, why staying playful matters, navigating imposter syndrome as a working artist, how shifting your perspective can transform not just your art, but the way you engage with the world and so much more.-00:00 Intro01:15 Finding Humour and Beauty in the Absurd09:50 Turning Trash into Tiny Worlds16:05 Early Influences and Inspirations19:45 Why People Are Drawn to the Work23:10 Sneaking Artwork into MONA28:49 Why Her Work Left the Streets34:44 What Kids Teach Us About Creativity40:40 Creating Worlds That Pull You In49:14 Letting Go of Ego and Doubt55:50 Following Intuition in Creative Work01:03:15 The Big Bird That Started It All01:10:03 Happy Accidents and Unplanned Success01:17:22 Staying Open and Moving Forward-Follow Tinky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinkysonntag----Follow Future History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausofwayne

Nate Spiteri is the co-founder and CEO of Shopfront, a platform that makes it simple and easy to connect you to every marketplace globally to sell your preloved clothes. With a background in fashion and fintech, Nate brings together his passions and expertise to reshape the future of retail by making it more accessible, affordable, and environmentally responsible.On this episode, Nate shares his journey as a startup founder in the circular fashion space, the lessons he’s learned building Shopfront from idea to launch, and how he’s navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in sustainable fashion. We dive into what it takes to build a business that balances purpose and profit, the strategies behind launching a brand in a competitive market, why adaptability is critical for startup success, the growing importance of resale and rental models in fashion, and so much more.-00:00 – Intro03:04 – Fast Trends and Fashion Subcultures08:50 – Secondhand Fashion and Cultural Stigma11:52 – How Overconsumption Inspired Shopfront20:41 – Changing Mindsets About Secondhand Fashion23:33 – Discount Culture and Consumer Behavior26:16 – Nate’s Journey: Finance to Fashion Tech32:00 – Identifying a Gap in Circular Fashion45:15 – Startup Qualities That Matter Most46:47 – Building a Scalable, Investable Business53:00 – Big Goals vs. Comfort Culture59:22 – Branding Trust in Sustainable Markets01:00:47 – How Resale and Rental Are Reshaping Fashion01:06:09 – Raising Consumer Standards01:09:03 – Rethinking Sustainability and Brand Creation01:13:00 – Staying True to Your Brand Values01:18:00 – Opportunity Timing and Cultural Shifts01:24:00 – Shopfront Launch and Final Thoughts-Follow Nate on LinkedIn: @nathanspiteriFollow Shopfront on Instagram: @shopfront.ig----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @hausofwayne

Michelle Grace Hunder is a renowned music photographer whose work has defined the visual identity of some of Australia's most prominent artists in her 15 year career - including Ruel, Jim Jefferies, Sampa the Great, Amy Shark and including every major player in the Australian Hip-Hop scene. 2023 saw Michelle shoot her first Rolling Stone cover with Amy Shark, and win an ARIA award for "Best Cover Art" for the Forest Claudette EP “Everything was Green.”On this episode, Michelle shares the power of starting over after failure, why human connection to build trust with her clients is foundational, the significance of photographers in shaping the image of musical artists, why to always make space for play and experimentation, why doing the work matters more than raw talent, the lessons from putting together her first book RISE, the tension between visibility and undervaluation in music photography, why mentorship is so important to her and so much more.-00:00 – Intro01:45 – Generational Music gap and the Industry07:40 – Touring with Ruel and caring for young artists11:21 – Why connection matters more than the camera16:51 – The frustration of being undervalued in the industry27:55 – Play, experimentation, and creative risk-taking32:49 – From business failure to photography34:02 – Documenting Australian hip hop culture44:47 – Why seeing things through is more important than talent49:43 – Finding self through photography and community01:00:03 – The importance of being mentored and believed in01:05:01 – Business skills that sustain a creative career01:14:50 – How Kendrick Sparked a cultural Shift01:23:30 – Closing reflections on craft, balance and growth-Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michelleghunder----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistory.coFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne

Tavis is a cinematographer whose work spans across feature films, short-form narratives, documentaries, and commercial projects. His films have been officially selected for film festivals including Anak (MIFF 2022), Lakad (MIFF 2023) and Nursery (Flickerfest 2024). Tavis recently completed production on his second feature film Westgate (Directed by Adrian Ortega) due to be released mid 2025.On this episode, Tavis shares the difference between commercial and creative filmmaking and how narrative work allows for deeper artistic authorship, why commercial jobs require letting go of creative control, and what it really means to collaborate with directors and agencies. We explore how intuition shapes shot choices, how being present and photography act as creative resets, and the realities of building a career in the film industry without losing your voice. Tavis also reflects on visual storytelling, navigating post-production detachment, and finding creative fulfilment beyond the final product and so much more.-00:00 - Intro01:38 - Creative Ownership & Letting Go07:49 - Commercials vs Narrative15:36 - Recognition & First Feature at MIFF28:25 - Curiosity & Staying Inspired35:23 - Momentum, Action & Manifestation41:20 - Photography, Collage & City Life49:34 - Exploration & the Creative Process53:55 - Why Cinematography?56:30 - Visual vs Narrative Driven Films59:00 - Drawing inspiration1:03:00 - The Industry Shake-Up1:10:07 - The Blockbuster Formula & the Shift in Storytelling1:24:49 - Outro & Final Thoughts-Follow Tavis on Instagram: @tpdop----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne

Amy Crow is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and creative thinker whose practice spans zine-making, illustration, design and hair styling. Her work explores cultural storytelling, play, and personal reflection blurring the lines between art, commerce, and self-exploration.On this episode, Amy shares how self-awareness fuels her creativity, why resistance is often a signpost for action, how to balance structure and spontaneity, the value of saying yes to unexpected opportunities and how they can reshape your path. We discuss the benefits of thoughtful creative decisions, trusting your intuition, how it allows you to navigate uncertainty and so much more.-00:00 – Intro01:45 – Embracing Unexpected Opportunities06:05 – Hairdressing, Design & Multi-potentiality07:55 – The Challenges with Creative Client Work16:50 – Zines, Art Books & Accessible Creativity20:40 – The Tension Between Craft & Cost23:56 – Marketing, Collectors & Creative Accessibility31:33 – Strategy, Design Thinking & Client Goals38:26 – Resistance: What Are You Avoiding?44:00 – Creative Prompts, Play & Gamification53:05 – Self-Awareness, Energy Management & Avoidance Behaviour1:03:14 – Cultural Expectations & Identity1:06:52 – Rethinking Careers & Embracing Generalism1:18:26 – On Research, Data & Creative Lifestyles1:27:00 – Outro & Final Thoughts-Follow Amy on Instagram: @cachemonetcrowFollow Forge Forward: @forge.forward----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @m/wayofwayne

Ed Bechervaise is a visual artist and creative strategist. Under his pseudonym, Unwell Bunny, his artwork explores culture, emotion and human experiences through his bold, abstract compositions. As a creative strategist, he has worked alongside several leading agencies and brands with their positioning, campaign development, and cultural storytelling.On this episode, Ed shares his personal creative philosophy, why artists make the best brand strategists, how creativity and strategic thinking are inseparable, the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success, why the most impactful brands operate like artists and so much more.-00:00 Intro03:50 The importance of having a creative philosophy09:53 How creative momentum works like a rolling stone14:11 The constant pursuit for Stability19:13 Who you are is largely out of your control23:30 The evolution of ideas and communication31:35 How brand strategy is about simplification40:30 The power of lateral thinking in creativity50:56 Unlocking creativity by understanding yourself59:15 Why the best businesses are human-centred1:12:51 Balancing strategic thinking and creative expression1:20:35 Breaking norms and redefining categories1:25:26 How vulnerability fuels creative breakthroughs1:42:00 The cycles of creativity and personal growth-Follow Ed on Instagram: @edbechervaise_unwellbunny----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne

Nate Hill is a photographer and digital artist known for his atmospheric and emotive compositions. As a formidable artist in the alternative/rock/metal circuit, he has photographed and created timeless artwork for some of the world’s most prolific bands including Tool, KoRn, Green Day and Parkway Drive. Nate’s first book ‘Read Between the Lines’ is available from the 14th March.On this episode, Nate shares how his relentless commitment to daily practice has helped him refine his artistic identity, why persistence is the key to creative growth, the challenges of staying authentic while navigating social media’s expectations, how experimenting outside your comfort zone leads to breakthroughs. We discusses the intersection of music and visual storytelling, the value of physical art in a digital world, NFTs vs tactile art, why experimentation is the most powerful tool for artistic evolution and so much more.-00:00 Intro01:04 Why daily creative practice matters09:45 Finding a unique creative style14:30 Wha is ‘Anemoia’ and how does artwork create this?23:55 Social media vs creative freedom29:30 How nostalgia influences creativity32:10 Resurgence of 90s music46:42 How NFTs Are Changing Music & Art55:40 Why physical art still holds value1:03:08 Overcoming creative blocks & self-doubt1:10:55 To be professional artist is a test of attrition and persistence1:19:17 Final thoughts & advice for artists-Follow Nate on Instagram: @natehill----Follow Future History on Instagram: !futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: !wayofwayne

Elise Marcianti is a visual artist, podcaster, and ultra-adventurer whose journey has been shaped by curiosity, resilience and the pursuit of awe. Having overcome an eating disorder, she has developed a deep understanding of fear, endurance, and self-discovery, using both art and adventure as tools for healing and exploration.On this episode, Elise shares how recovering from an eating disorder reshaped her mindset, how she reframes fear as a tool for growth, why curiosity fuels both her art and adventures, how she builds a healthy relationship with uncertainty, why visualisation is one of the most powerful mental training techniques, the challenges of defining success on your own terms, how adventure has transformed her creative process, why awe and fear often go hand in hand, and so much more.Follow Elise on Instagram: @elisemarciantiCheck out Explore Your Core podcast: Explore Your Core----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne

Sam Octigan is a visual artist and lead vocalist for Iron Mind. Known for his striking abstract and figurative paintings, he explores themes of time, memory, and human connection, often blending bold compositions with intricate detail. He is currently preparing for an upcoming solo exhibition while his band is set to release their first album in more than 10 years.On this episode, Sam shares with us his journey of balancing art, music, and family life, how becoming a father has reshaped his perspective, his challenges of staying present in a fast-moving creative career, the sacrifices that come with pursuing multiple passions. We dive into the intersection of intuition and strategy in creative work, the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people, how letting go of external expectations can lead to a more fulfilling career and so much more.Follow Sam on Instagram: @samoctigan----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne

Michael Danischewski is a commercial and creative photographer known for his visual storytelling across music, fashion and documenting cultural moments. Having previously worked with ACCLAIM magazine, Crumpler and Converse, he is set to release his latest book documenting the Australian bull riding scene and the people within.On this episode, Michael shares with us the evolution of the bull riding project, the importance of human connection in his work, how he documents his life as a photographer, how he separates his commercial work from personal projects, his evolution from technical mastery to storytelling and so much more.Follow Mike on Instagram: @mdanischewski----Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryxFollow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne

Joshua Scott is a photographer who is most notable for capturing some of the world’s most accomplished musicians, scholars and athletes with Wu Tang Clan, Mac Miller, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Julian Assange, Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady amongst them. On this episode Joshua shares with us how his goals change as his career progresses, how identifying what’s important in his life fuels his growth, why character building is the most important skill to develop, the importance of self-awareness, what he has learned from some of the world’s most notable high-achievers, why being a dad is the most important role for him and how it helps creatively, why Bluey is loved by both kids and parents and so much more. Follow Joshua on Instagram: @the.cwolf ---- Follow Future History on Instagram: @futurehistoryx Follow Wayne Lim on Instagram: @wayofwayne