For the final episode of BTB, it was only fitting to bring back a guest from the first season back in 2020, Yianni Efkarpidis from the Molonglo Group - the team responsible for such New Acton award-winning developments as Nishi and ApARTments. We spoke then about the evolution of Canberra and how to create legacy through design, built environment, or architectural work for the benefit of others in the community. In this conversation, we look to the future and discuss what kind of impact...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Ben Appleton, who heads up Photox. Ben specialises in professional photography, videography, and commercial drone services. For a decade and a half, he’s been capturing visuals for businesses, government agencies, national institutions, and major brands, with work published worldwide. Ben’s journey from a teenager obsessed with sport and fitness to an owner of an established creative business is an insightful one, especially considering his path was forged ...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Jenny Telford, who looks after the Census at the Australian Bureau of Statistics. If you have ever wondered how the Census is organised, gathered, interpreted and used, then this is the episode for you. Jenny discusses the process of designing the research, gathering the data and interpreting it so that major and highly informed decisions affecting Australians can be made at a government level. The insights into our community, culture, and...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Kaylee Rutland, who has over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, community engagement, and emergency services. Currently serving as the Interim Assistant Commissioner at ESA, and plays a pivotal role in shaping partnerships and enhancing public safety outcomes for the Canberra community. Kaylee has built much of her career consistently focused on improving public awareness, crisis communication, and internal reform. With a strong foundation ...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Brad Tucker, who works as an Astrophysicist and Cosmologist at the Australian National University Mt Stromlo Observatory. In this conversation, we discover the distinction between the two titles and how he came to love physics, with its endless loop of enthralling questions and answers. We chat about Sci-Fi and its place in the scientific community, including the work he does as an advisor to Hollywood and explore his work, which ranges from black holes to ...
Ashley Feraude sits down with Paul Whitehorn, head of the National Zoo & Aquarium, including the iconic Jamala Wildlife Lodge. In this conversation, we dive into the fascinating world of zoo operations and uncover the complex work involved in caring for, presenting, and protecting animals. Paul has always wanted to work with animals, and his deep passion for our connection with other species shines through. He shares his personal journey and reveals the important work the zoo undertakes—m...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Chris Condon who is the Assistant Director of Strategic Risk Management Bushfire at ACTRFS. Chris began his emergency management career in rural New South Wales, inspired by a passion for the rural sector developed during his time at an agricultural high school. He joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2002 and later the ACT Rural Fire Service in 2017. His formal career in emergency services began with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, later transition...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Meagan Loader with is the Chief Curator at NFSA. Meagan has a rich background in community radio, having founded three music radio stations. She was instrumental in designing each station’s sound and brand, selecting and training presenters and producers, and developing programming and digital content strategies. A passionate advocate for music and Australian arts, culture, and identity, Meagan brings over three decades of radio and audio experience to her ...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Claire Fenwicke, who leads the Region Media journalist team. Claire has a great back story that takes us through the career progression of a passionate journalist, communicator and editor. Starting with a degree in Journalism, Claire worked her way though writing of regional press, then working in the high pressured environment of TV as a news producer, then a stint in Canberra FM before landing a position as the Editor or Region Media - a Canberra and regi...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Will, who is an experienced dancer, actor and presenter, as well as Marketing Manager at the National Zoo & Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge. He manages to balance both sides to his professional passions with drive and deep meaning, especially when it comes to communicating with audiences, whether they be via performance or marketing. Will has been cast in the Australia and New Zealand Tour for the brand new acclaimed work, Trent Dalton's Love Stories...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Josh Mulrine, who currently works with specific clients to source stones and gems and deliver unique jewellery pieces. Josh's back story is a very interesting one, with his previous successful pursuits in cinematography and event management paving a unique path towards his fascination with jewels. As a very social and driven individual, Josh has had to learn how to discover opportunity at times of hardship and how to redefine himself despite his set-in prof...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Samantha, who is a Chair of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, an Associate Dean Higher Degree Research and Deputy Head of School at the ANU School of Music. Considering her academic achievements, we discuss what it means to be an academic, is one born or developed and what is an academic mindset. Samantha has a great life story to tell about her journey through music, both from an applied side as an audio engineer and a theoretic...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Wayne Phillips, who is the Commissioner at ACT ESA, the agency that includes Fire & Rescue, Ambulance, Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services. If that sounds like a big job with a wide scope of responsibility, then that’s because it certainly is. Wayne takes us through the reactive and proactive work of the various areas, the type of people this work attracts and the supreme professional bond within the teams. We also chat about Wayne’s journey...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Cyf, who is the founder of Forge Constructions - a team that offers commercial and residential construction services throughout Canberra and surrounding regions. Cyf discusses his love for the trades and the complete building process, his business journey and how it has evolved from carpentry, to commercial work and then to residential projects. We also chat about the changes in the industry, future career prospects and what inspires him. Brought to you by ...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Tania, who started in fashion but quickly turned her passion for making things to ceramics. She grew a successful practice that included exhibitions, awards and a busy production studio. Tania is now at the start of her next exciting chapter as a painter. We discuss the difference between craft and art, the balance between art and business, how to feed the soul and the bank balance at the same time and how to make connections in the art scene. Behind the Bi...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Bri Williams, who is TikTok content creator and real estate professional. Bri is a perfect example of someone that has managed to balance two somewhat opposing professions. One the one hand a TokTok star with a large and loyal following in Canberra and beyond and, on the other hand, she is a real estate agent wth LJ Hooker. We explore how hard or easy keeping a balance between career and passion is, the world of social media, the challenges and tribulations...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Lachlan Jarvis who is a Private Investigator from the agency 'Lyonswood'. Lachlan offers a great insight into the type of people that are drawn to this profession and the skills they have to make them really suitable for it. He also gives us a great look into what PIs do and the kind of principles and codes they abide by. So if you ever wondered if PIs are lone wolves, do they use gadgets, if the work is dangerous or what sets some PIs apart from others - a...
Ashley Feraude is in conversation with Nesh Nikolic, who is the Managing Director of the Strategic Psychology practice and a clinical psychologist. Nesh provides and insight into the world of psychology in private practice, the theoretical and applied principles that guide his work, the clients he consults and the most common challenges he assists people to overcome. With the rise of psychology as a fundamental need for overall balance and health, this conversation provides an insight into wh...
Ashley Feraude is in conversation with Theo Koutsikamanis, Partner & Sales Executive at Bastion Property Group. Theo loves what he does, but it took the simple advice of a mentor early in his career to set him on this path. Theo’s journey from working over a hot grill seven days a week in a family takeaway to being a partner in a key real estate group in Canberra, provides a great insight into how strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, genuine interest and surrounding yours...
Ashley Feraude in conversation with Avon Dissanayake: Strategic Communicator in Transformation, Innovation & AI. Avon is an accomplished leader with over eighteen years of experience in private, corporate and public sector roles. All this experience has meant that he has changed jobs and careers many times but used a specific ‘storytelling’ thread to join them all together. Avon also has a specific mindset which enables him to suit his career to life stages and balance perso...