Behind the Mic with Mike E

Clare Stephens pulls back the curtain on one of the most talked about dynamics of the modern internet: cancel culture. As the creator of The Pile On, Clare has built a podcast that dives deep into the moments when public opinion turns, and the real world consequences that follow. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Clare explores why we’re so quick to pile on, what drives audiences to turn on someone almost overnight, and the role social media plays in amplifying outrage. She also unpacks the brutal reality for the person at the centre of it all, what it actually feels like to be cancelled, how quickly things can spiral, and whether it’s truly possible to come back once public opinion has shifted. Clare reflects on where the line sits between accountability and going too far, and why understanding the psychology behind these moments is more important than ever in today’s media landscape. Honest, thought-provoking and deeply relevant, this conversation explores the culture of outrage, the human cost behind headlines, and what it really means to be judged in the court of public opinion. Whether you’re interested in media, social behaviour, or the reality of life online, this episode offers insight into one of the defining conversations of our time. Follow Mike E on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jana Hocking pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a career out of your personal life. As a dating and relationship expert, columnist and podcast host, Jana has made a name for herself by sharing the details most people keep private from dating stories to sex, relationships and everything in between. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Jana opens up about the reality of modern dating, including why being single in a city like Sydney can be harder than it looks, and what people are really experiencing behind the apps and profiles. She also discusses the pressure of putting your personal life out there publicly, how she decides what to share and what to keep private, and where the line sits between being open and over-sharing. Jana reflects on the attention, judgment and expectations that come with her content, and how she navigates an audience that feels invested in her personal life while still protecting her own boundaries. Honest, funny and refreshingly candid, this conversation explores the business of vulnerability, the realities of dating in today’s world, and what happens when your life becomes your content. Whether you’re interested in relationships, podcasting, or the reality of building a personal brand, this episode offers insight, laughs and a very real look behind the mic. Follow Mike E on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matty Acton pulls back the curtain on one of the most unexpected stories in Australian media. A big radio personality with a strong on-air presence and also a 38-year-old grandfather! Matty has turned a wild real-life situation into a content brand that people can’t stop talking about. Through his podcast Underage Grandparents, Matty has taken what could have been a private family story and transformed it into something relatable, funny, and surprisingly powerful. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Matty explains how it all happened, how he navigated the reaction from audiences, and why leaning into the reality of his life became his biggest strength. He also shares how he’s built a career off personality, the pressure that comes with being known and how he’s turned a unique personal situation into a podcast and social media brand that cuts through. Honest, high-energy and full of perspective, this conversation explores how modern broadcasting is no longer just about what happens on air but how your real life can become the story that fuels everything. Whether you’re into radio, podcasting, or the idea of turning life into content, this episode is a fascinating look at how one unexpected twist can redefine a career. Follow Mike E Etheridge on: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billi FitzSimons pulls back the curtain on how The Daily Aus has become one of the most influential news sources for young Australians. As editor of the platform and co-host of its podcast, which reaches more than two million listeners each month. Billi is helping reshape how a new generation engages with news and current affairs. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Billi explains how The Daily Aus connects with Gen Z audiences, why traditional media often struggles to reach younger listeners, and what issues actually matter most to that generation right now. She also opens up about navigating visibility in the media industry, including the unique pressure of building a career while growing up with two of Australia’s most recognisable journalists: Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons. Billi reflects on carving out her own identity in media, the responsibility that comes with informing millions of young Australians, and how she balances credibility with relatability in an era where trust in news is constantly evolving. Honest, thoughtful and insightful, this conversation explores the future of journalism, the power of podcasting to reach new audiences, and the determination it takes to build your own voice in a crowded media landscape. Whether you’re interested in media, journalism, or understanding how Gen Z consumes news, this episode offers a fascinating look at the next generation shaping the conversation. Follow Mike E Etheridge on: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Fordham pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to host the biggest talk radio show in Australia. As the host of Ben Fordham Live on breakfast radio at 2GB, Ben sits at the centre of the national conversation every morning a role that comes with influence, pressure, and constant scrutiny. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Ben shares his take on the The Kyle & Jackie O Show saga that has dominated Australian media this week, and what moments like that reveal about the industry. He also discusses how he manages the responsibility of hosting such an influential program, whether he believes the label of being “right wing” is fair, and the moments on air he looks back on with regret. Ben reveals a remarkable behind-the-scenes story involving Anthony Albanese that has never been told publicly before, and reflects on the importance of persistence in broadcasting including how determination helped shape his own career. Honest, thoughtful and occasionally surprising, this conversation explores the pressure of live talk radio, the weight of opinion, and the lessons learned from years at the centre of Australia’s media landscape. Whether you’re interested in radio, politics, or the craft of broadcasting, this episode offers insight into the mindset required to sit behind one of the country’s most powerful microphones. Follow Mike E Etheridge on: Instagram Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell Coombs pulls back the curtain on the moment a small social media video changed everything and how going viral overnight launched him into becoming one of Australia’s biggest digital creators. With a huge online following and as one of the early adopters of podcasting in Australia, Mitchell has built a career in front of millions. But the path hasn’t been smooth. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Mitchell opens up about how quickly fame hit, the pressure of being recognised everywhere, and what it’s really like when your private life becomes public conversation. He also shares the real story behind the scandal during his time on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, what that moment taught him, and how it forced him to reassess not just his career but his mindset. Honest, reflective, and surprisingly grounded, this conversation explores the highs of internet fame, the consequences of public mistakes, and what it takes to rebuild when your name is in headlines. Whether you’re fascinated by social media, radio, or the realities of modern fame, this episode offers big lessons, big moments, and a raw look at life behind the mic. Follow Mike E on: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lu & Jarch pull back the curtain on how unfiltered chemistry and chaos became the foundation of their podcast 'We Mean Well' and how that authenticity opened the door to radio with Triple M. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Lu and Jarch explain why chemistry can’t be manufactured, how embracing chaos made their connection work, and why audiences responded so strongly to their dynamic from the very beginning. They also talk candidly about navigating sudden visability, how they deal with fame, and the persistent public assumption that they’re sleeping together. They unpack where those rumours come from, how it affects their working relationship, and the boundaries they’ve had to put in place as their audience has grown. Lu and Jarch discuss their deliberate decision to stay away from politics, why they believe it’s important to know your lane, and how they protect the trust of their listeners by choosing what not to talk about. Finally, they address the big question....would they take on a major breakfast radio show in Sydney, and what would have to be right for them to say yes. Honest, funny, and self-aware, this conversation reveals the people behind their personas. The trust, the tension, and the choices shaping their future. Follow Mike E on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Keller pulls back the curtain on life behind the microphone. From her early days in broadcasting to now hosting a national drive show, and her podcast 'Double A Chattery', she shares the stories, struggles, and laughs that audiences rarely see.In this episode of Behind the Mic, Amanda talks about the secret chemistry that made her partnership with Jonesy a broadcasting phenomenon. The times she overstepped and upset people close to her when she shared too much on air. She discusses her husband Harley's health struggles and her reasons for sharing this personal story with her audience.Amanda also reveals how she handles the pressures of being on air, how she battles burnout, and what keeps her passionate about podcasting alongside her busy radio career. Honest, raw, and funny, this conversation shows the woman behind the household name; the ambition, the resilience, and the human stories that make her who she is.Whether you’re a fan of radio, podcasts, or just love hearing the real lives behind famous voices, this episode is full of insight and heart.Follow Mike E on: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to behind the mic with Mike E Exploring the biggest Australian podcast hosts and audio creators who are shaping Australia's audio landscape.You listen to them every day. But what happens when the mic turns off?The podcast that goes beyond the voices you know. Real stories, Real Voices.  Behind the Mic with Mike E, goes deeper.   Follow Mike E on: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.