Episode 90 – Mark Fitzsimmons (Chef and Metalhead)

The Metalhead Chef! If you’ve ever been to a metal gig in Sydney, Canberra or anywhere in between, no doubt you will have seen Mark Fitzsimmons banging his head, holding a beer with a big smile on his face. Mark is known by many as a loyal music fan who travels back and forth from our nation’s capital to attend shows and support metal bands from across the country and internationally. He is a die hard.

What a lot of people may not know about Mark however is his long standing career as a Chef. Mark’s passion for food and culinary revivals that of his love for music. Mark is currently the Executive Head Chef at the Australian Institute of Sport where he manages the nutritional requirements of Australian athletes who both live at or attend the institute. Mark manages the meals of up to 1,800 people per day! In addition to this, Mark travels internationally with Australian teams to ensure their nutrition is maintained to the highest of standards.

Mark and I caught up at the Civic Pub in downtown Canberra for a couple of beers and to chat about his earlier beginnings, growing up in Goulburn, moving to Sydney and later Canberra. We talk about metal (of course!), his work as a Chef and heaps more. Mark is one of the nicest guys out there and it was a pleasure to be able to sit back and learn more about him.

Show notes

Reach out to Mark on Facebook | LinkedIn |
Checkout a rare gig of Downtime in the 90s (Mark not featured) – HERE.
The Australian Institute of Sport

 

Episode 89 – Adam Agius (The Levitation Hex, Formerly…

As much as he would hate for me to say it, Adam Agius is a bit of a legend in the Australian metal scene. He started one the country’s greatest metal bands Alchemist, was part of the now historic Metal for the Brain, and also kick started The Levitation Hex with Mark Palfreyman from Melbourne’s Alarum.

Since Alchemist ending in 2010, Adam has taken a real focus with The Levitation Hex, embracing the DIY approach of recording and touring. They have taken advantage of the band being split between Canberra and Melbourne by working to their own terms and schedule. As a result the band has found success not only in Australia but also internationally.

I caught up with Adam at Debacle in Canberra for a couple of Czech beers and some great conversation. We covered the beginnings of The Levitation Hex, how different the band is as well as the industry since his days in Alchemist, his love of brewing beer, and his desire to steer away from negativity in metal.

Adam’s outlook on life is fantastic and is one of those guys who is completely dedicated to his love of music and enjoying that fulfilment. If you’re a musician who’s felt discouraged, this should help you rediscover your avidity to your craft.

Show notes

Check out The Levitation Hex – Main Website | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud | Twitter |
Buy music by The Levitation Hex HERE.
Like Turbonegro? Check out Adam’s tribute band Turbobelco!
Learn a bit about some of the history of Alchemist here.

 

 

Episode 88 – Neil ‘Wilko’ Wilcock (Radio Personality and…

You’ve probably heard Wilko’s voice without even realising it. Being the voice of Channel TEN for several years, Neil Wilcock has graced the ears of millions of Australian’s through high rated television programs such as The Bachelor & Bachelorette, Masterchef, Survivor Australia and many more.

His repertoire also includes voice work for The Disney Channel, Foxtel, and Go! as well as a decade plus of professional radio hosting including Triple M, Sea FM and Star FM.

Most recently, Wilko landed the co-host gig for Canberra’s Mix 106.3 FM’s morning program ‘The Kristen & Wilko Show’, where he delivers entertainment and news each week to thousands of listeners not only in Canberra and the surrounding regions, but also to a global audience who tune in digitally.

I caught up with Wilko at the studios in Canberra to see how he is settling into the new job, his first impressions of being a local in Canberra and we also dive into his early beginnings in radio including landing his first professional gig in Alice Springs at the age of 17! What a hustler!

For those that are interested in a career in radio, podcasting or voice work, you should get a real kick out of this episode. In addition, Wilko is freaking hilarious and I recommend you all to follow his work!

 

Show notes

Follow Wilko on Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube |
Mix 106.3 FM – Main Website | Facebook | Twitter |
Check out The Kristen & Wilko Mix 106.3 FM Podcast on iTunes
Check out Wilko and Mandy’s Podcast The Struggle – Main Website | iTunes | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube |

 

Episode 87 – Andrew ‘Salty’ Saltmarsh (Illustrator and Toehider)

Known by most as Salty, Andrew Saltmarsh is a well known Australian illustrator and the visual artistic mastermind behind Melbourne band Toehider.

Remember my episode with Mike Mills? Check it out HERE.

In addition to his own personal work and involvement with Toehider, Salty has produced work for names such as Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, co-project with Ayreon, Osher Gunsberg’s podcast and many more.

Salty is also a co-host of the Australian Podcast titled The Hypothetical Institute, all about wackjob conspiracy nuts and theories. I’ve just recently begun listening to it and I’m obsessed! You can check it out on iTunes and links below.

I recently dropped in to Salty’s place in Melbourne for a quick catch up to talk changes in our taste of music, how Toehider came to be, finding motivation and drive to take our passions to the next level, crazy conspiracy theories and the people who push them and heaps more. Salty has been a great friend for over a decade so not only was this an awesome episode for the podcast, but a great catch up!

Show notes

Make contact with Salty on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube |
Check out Toehider on Facebook |
Listen to Salty’s podcast The Hypothetical Institute on iTunes | Facebook | Podbean |
Are you into nutcase Conspiracy Theorists? Check out Russianvids | HowISee TheWorld3 | Jungle Surfer (my favourite) |

 

 

 

Episode 86 – Chris Asher and Dean Hobson (The…

Beers and babbling! Chris Asher and Dean Hobson are the hosts of The Podcast Formerly Known As, based out of Melbourne. Chris is a stand up comedian, YouTube star and Dean is a stand up guy and expert clanger magnet!

Their podcast has been going for a few years now and has a loyal following throughout the podcast world. If you’re a big podcast fan (of course you are), then you should definitely give these guys a shot and check them out. If you dig it, be sure to subscribe!

I stopped by their studio not too long ago for some beers and to record several podcasts together. In fact you can listen to my episode with the guys on their podcast HERE. We also did a third podcast that evening that may or may not have already aired on The Andy Social Podcast (psssst here it is).

We chat about their various YouTube channels, their podcast of course and how they got started, their love for their favourite Entrepreneurs Ratschitte Industries, Dean’s clangers, the Police rocking up to Chris’ house, breaking dicks, and I tell the guys about the highly educating videos on YouTube, YOLO and Ciggy Butt Brain.

Show notes

Check out The Podcast Formerly Known As – Main Website | Facebook | iTunes | and STITCHER! |
I was on The Podcast Formerly Known As – Episode 57!
Have a look at Chris Asher’s YouTube Channel and Subscribe!
Ratschitte Industries – Facebook | YouTube |

 

Episode 85 – Dave Langlands (The Eternal, Foresters Pub…

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Most people know Dave Langlands as the bass player for Melbourne metal band The Eternal. What many might not know, however, is that Dave manages both the Terminus Hotel and Foresters Pub & Dining in the city’s inner suburbs and is also a craft beer connoisseur,  being the Managing Director for Australian Beer Exports and Export Sales Manager for Moon Dog Brewing, travelling internationally in the name of good beer.

Yes, Dave loves beer. Good man.

I managed to sneak my way into Foresters before they opened their doors on a Saturday to chat with Dave and sample some amazing craft beers. I even managed to get a hold of a bottle of their hot sauce as well, although I’m too scared to give it a shot!

We get chatting about his job as a General Manager in his pubs, travelling in the name of beer, his favourite craft beers as well as the latest with his band The Eternal (remember my episode with Mark Kelson? You can hear it here)

If you love beer, definitely give this one a listen and next time you’re in Melbourne, be sure to stop in to either Foresters Pub or Terminus Hotel and say hello!

The Eternal’s new album Waiting For The Endless Dawn will be out in late 2017.

 

Show notes

Contact Dave on Linkedin |
Check out The Eternal – Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |
Foresters Pub & Dining – Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |
Terminus Hotel Fitzroy North – Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |
Moon Dog Brewing – Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |
Dare to try Melbourne Hot Sauce?
Check out the Garage Project – We were drinking Resonance Beer.
Doom Metal Beer? Yes please! – Sample Dark Resonance Beer by Garage Project.

Other Breweries mentioned:

Boatrocker | Mountain Goat |James Squire | Matilda Bay |

Episode 84 – Lochlan Watt (The Racket – Triple…

Lochlan Watt is the host of Triple J’s The Racket. Australia’s most well known metal radio show which airs every Tuesday night from 10pm. His street cred has come from a long involvement in the Australia heavy music scene over the past decade, not limited to running his own label as well as fronting a number of bands from his early days with Western Decay to Nuclear Summer, Colossvs and even a brief stint with Thy Art is Murder on tours through North America and Europe.

I caught up with Lochlan at The Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Brunswick, Melbourne for a couple of pints and to talk poo stories, eating photos of Jason Segel, our recent trip to Indonesia for the Hammersonic Festival, hosting a national metal radio show and heaps more.

Show notes

Listen to Triple J’s The Racket – Main Website | Facebook | Twitter |
Follow Lochlan on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Watch all 100 videos of some guy eating pictures of Jason Segel HERE. News article HERE.

 

 

Episode 83 – Shae Meddings (Psychologist & Mental as…

Shae Meddings is a Psychologist and hosts the Mental as Anyone Podcast where she chats with comedians and performers from various backgrounds on the subject of mental health. A topic that does not get spoken about nearly enough.

In addition, Shae works for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider who enables employees for small and large organisations to speak candidly and freely with a non-biased party on any subject which might be plaguing that individual. In her role, Shae provides both over the phone as well as in-person support and has certainly seen it all.

I must say, I was a little self conscious speaking to a Psychologist for the podcast, but Shae was brilliant and shed a lot of light on being a Psychologist, mental health in general and her aim to push the mental health topic to broader audiences through her podcast.

Be sure to check out the Mental as Anyone Podcast and continue to speak about mental heath with your friends and family.

Show notes

Check out the Mental as Anyone Podcast on iTunes, Facebook and Libsyn.

Here are some of Shae’s personal recommendations. If you require any additional support in your local area, please reach out to me directly and I’ll be happy to help put you in touch with someone in your neck of the woods.

Crisis Support
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Emergency Services – 000

Other Useful Counselling/Support Services:
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement – 1800 642 066
Domestic Violence Resource Centre – 1800 737 732
Direct Line (Drug and Alcohol Support & Referrals) – 1800 888 236
Financial Counselling Australia – 1800 007 007
Relationships Australia – 1800 364 277

Free Relaxation/Sleep Apps:
Relax Lite
Mindifi Sleep/Relax
iSleep

Other Good (Free) Wellbeing Apps:
Smiling Mind (mindfulness)
Headspace (mindfulness)
Happy App (to remind you to practice gratitude daily)
Happify (small and beneficial games/activities to help manage stress and negative thinking)

Websites:
For Men – Man Therapy (Beyond Blue)
For Women – WIRE
For Both – Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, and Relationships Australia

Books:
The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris
Self-Compassion – Kristin Neff
The Ten Best Ever Anxiety Management Techniques – Margaret Wehrenberg
Non-Violent Communication – Marshall Rosenberg
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey

 

Episode 82 – James Straker (Trouble Maker – We…

NOFX is his favourite band and he’s mates with them. He buys vintage arcade machines and leaves them in bars across Brisbane. He had a brain haemorrhage in 2002 and told the doctors it was 1991. He won a drag racing championship on a 1978 Suzuki GS750. He’s a white belt in Jiu Jitsu. The guy even has his own action figure!

Enter James Straker. “Always Lurking, Never Working”. The ultimate Trouble Maker.

James is behind ‘We Make Trouble’. A website dedicated to his various projects. From his arcade machines to beer cannons to retro nostalgic treasures for sale, James is always involved in doing something that’s a little bit different and is dedicated to living the ‘Pirate Life’ – Always prepared to sail uncharted seas.

I feel like we’re kindred spirits in a number of ways and it was awesome to be able connect with someone as cool as James, using this crazy podcasting thing. A very fun chat and hope you all enjoy!

Show notes

We Make Trouble – Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |
Check out Frankie’s Arcade
Learn more about The Beer Cannon.
Reach out to James via – Instagram | Linkedin |
Netherworld Arcade in Brisbane
Crowbar in Brisbane

 

Episode 81 – John Shearer (Mindfulness Coach)

John Shearer (Mindfulness Coach) is an internationally recognised Mindfulness Master. John has been practising and teaching the act of mindfulness for several years and also up-skills those who wish to mentor and teach others.

John’s story began in the early 80s when he was pronounced dead after a truck accident but miraculously survived. Post-accident, John suffered for many years with both physical and mental injuries. It wasn’t until the late 90s that John was reunited with an old friend who planted the seeds for more fulfilling endeavours.

He received his qualification as a ACT Therapist (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and began working as a Youth Mentor in the Juvenile Justice field as well as creating his own business focused around the practice of mindfulness.

In 2014, John published a book titled ‘Mindful Actions’ which was launched on World Mental Health Day. His book obtained worldwide distribution and continues to receive copious amounts of positive feedback from all over the globe.

I was quite fortune to recently catch up with John and talk about his story, his successes with spreading the word of mindfulness and helping an every growing number of people through his events and programs such as Mindfulness Day, Mindfully MAD, and Mindful Educators.

 

Sh0w notes:

Mindfulness Coach – Main website, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin
Pick up John’s book ‘Mindful Actions’ HERE.
Read John’s Blog HERE.
Mindful Educators – Learn more HERE.
Mindfully MAD – Learn more HERE.

 

 

Pick up John’s book HERE.