Podcast Archives - Page 13 of 31 - The Andy Social Podcast

191 – Lord Tim (LORD, Blackened Angel, SLS Studios)

July 25, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Lord Tim is best known as the front man and founder of the Australian metal band LORD (formerly known as Dungeon). LT also is part of several other bands and projects including Blackened Angel, Serenity Defiled (their new vocalist!) and LT’s Clarity Project.

Tim is also the force behind Dominus Records, SLS Studios and also works as a Video Director either under the SLS banner or teaming up with James Lopes of Arc Shot Media (as heard on episode 76), shooting a growing number of band video clips and other video projects.

The new LORD album “Fallen Idols” can be purchased directly from Dominus Records.

To learn more about LT, follow any of the bands and watch some of his video work, check out the show notes.

Podcast

190 – Sarah Furtner (Comedian, Author)

July 18, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Sarah Furtner is a Comedian and Author from Perth in Western Australia. Sarah recently released the book “6222 Syllables”,. A collection of 366 haiku’s covering a wide range of topics from every day experiences, written in a raw but comedic tone that Sarah is known for.

6222 Syllables can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and Booktopia.

Sarah can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and sarahfurtner.com.au

To learn more about Sarah, check out the show notes.

Show notes

Podcast

189 – Jesse Thorn (Broadcaster, Podcaster – Maximum Fun)

July 11, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Unless you’re from the US, you might not be fully acquainted with Jesse Thorn. Public Radio Broadcaster extraordinaire and OG podcaster, Jesse has interviewed and had conversations with thousands of people over the years from the upper realms of fame to the every day unknown.

Kicking off his career in broadcasting working for the University of California campus radio station KZSC, Jesse launched the popular ‘The Sound of Young America’ show which later turned into a podcast in 2004 distributed through National Public Radio and eventually re-branded as “Bullseye“ in 2012.

Like many of us with a podcast, one is never enough and Jesse is no exception.

These days Jesse not only has his own podcast network days called “Maximum Fun”, but he is also hosts several shows including “Judge John Hodgman“ and “Jordan, Jesse, Go!“

You know how I mentioned that Jesse is an OG podcaster? He’s literally been doing it since it became a “thing”. In fact, Jesse’s influence in podcasting lead him to visit good friend Marc Maron and help him set gear up in his garage to what would become one of the most popular podcasts out there, “WTF with Marc Maron”.

Jesse is one of those guys who has an earthly lovable charm that wins over many who speak with him. His ability to ask honest and sometimes very raw/straight forward questions means that he cultivates incredibly candid and fascinating stories from his guests.

I discovered Jesse through a small podcast series he released in 2017 called ‘“The Turn Around” which had Jesse speaking to a number of his idols and some of the world’s greatest interviewers from Larry King and Louis Theroux to Jerry Springer and Terry Gross. Jesse’s probing fascination into the world of conversation and interviewing instantly grabbed me and sparked feelings of why I love podcasting and it’s helped me understand how I can get better at conversion, in particular on the mic.

Jesse’s work is inspiring and someone that I will continue to follow and learn from through his own journey. This episode will reveal a bit of Jesse’s background, the personal challenges of accountability and much more.

To learn more about Jesse, Maximum Fun and all of his podcasts, check out the links in the show notes.

Feature photo by Annenberg Space for Photography

Show notes

Follow Jesse on Twitter | Facebook | YouTube |
Check out Maximum Fun via Main Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube |
Listen to Bullseye via Main Website (and all good podcast players)
Listen to The Turn Around via Main Website (and all good podcast players)
Listen to Jordan, Jesse, Go! via Main Website (and all good podcast players)
Listen to Judge John Hodgman via Main Website (and all good podcast players)

Jesse with the great Larry King

Podcast

188 – Nick Keller (Senior Concept Artist, Weta Digital)

July 4, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Nick Keller is a Senior Concept Artist at Weta Digital (formerly Weta Workshop) and an Illustrator. Many of you may know Weta which was founded by Peter Jackson and have worked on some of the biggest movies our time including Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, Avengers and many more.

You would think that this would be why I was compelled to have a chat with Nick considering he works for one of the more exciting businesses in the world. The real reason however is Nick’s own profile as an illustrator and artist, painting and designing album artwork for metal bands in New Zealand and Australia as well as all over the world.

If you’re a fan of bands such as In Malice’s Wake, Disentomb, Dawn of Azazel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Beastwars and Bulletbelt then you will already be well acquainted with his fantastical and surreal imagery which (in my opinion) is quite Beksiński inspired.

It’s difficult to put into words how incredible Nick’s art is. The level of detail and skill that would be required to create artwork of this nature would feel almost beyond reach to most people. At least for me anyway! One of the cool things in this chat with Nick is his humble approach to what he does but also what he believes has helped him over the years to achieve what has to date. We talk a lot about talent and skill, with most cases comes from environment and continuous practice rather than an inherited or genetic trait.

We also touch on some of Nick’s earlier memories of getting into art, how he landed the job at Weta and the challenges he can face at times working as a concept artist versus his own personal work. His work for bands and other personal peaces helps balance out the often intense and selfless work as a concept artist where some of his creations may not come to light due to preferences of the client.

If you’re an artist of any type, you will love this chat and get a lot from it. Nick’s work is jaw dropping but it’s his approach and story which certainly fuels my inspiration to progress past stick figure drawings!

To check out Nick’s art, follow Weta Digital or learn anything more we discussed. Check out the show notes for all resources and links.

Show notes

Nick with Steve from NZs Bulletbelt for their album Down in the Cold of the Grave

Battle of the Five Armies Concept Art – Stripped back version of Azog’s battle armour

Podcast

187 – Aaron Gocs (Comedian)

June 27, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Aaron Gocs is an Australian comedian who has been gaining popularity from not only his stand up shows and touring but also his online presence, uploading his own video commentary as well as staring in a number of skit shows through Hot Dad Productions and appearing on Comedy Central and Vice to name a few.

Most recently, Aaron has been touring the county with his new show ‘Divorced with Children’, appearing at a number of cities on the annual comedy festival circuit. The show has Aaron opening up about his life as a suburban divorced dad in Gocs’ now signature style of humour.

Aaron and I caught up at Adversary Studios in Marrickville prior to his one of his sets at the Sydney Comedy Festival at The Factory Theatre to talk about the new show and how the vulnerability of talking about some more personal aspects of his life. We also throw back to music, some of Aaron’s favourite bands growing up and what he’s into now. I get Gocsys advice on some future podcast guests and we also touch on some mullet talk as well (couldn’t help myself).

To get a taste of Aaron’s comedy, check out the show notes where I have dumped some of my favourite videos and be sure to follow him on the socials.

Show notes

Podcast

186 – Pete Wargent (Finance and Real Estate Expert,…

June 20, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Pete Wargent is an international property buyer, finance and real estate expert and author. To put it more succinctly, Pete is an expert in wealth creation and spends the majority of his time teaching others how to maximise their money through financial knowledge and education.

Starting off as an Accountant and moving out to Australia from the UK many years ago, Pete has been collating a wealth of knowledge obtained from personal experiences in striving toward his own financial goals. These days with the Accountant job long left in the dust, Pete’s full time gig see’s him having a large impact on others to not only dispel many myths around money and investing, but also helping to create better mindsets towards the way we handle and take care of our money.

No doubt many of us have been in the same boat when it comes to the psychology of money. Brought up from previous generations who may not have had an abundance of opportunity, money was something to be desperately held onto. Extreme sacrifice was needed in order to create the basic stabilities in life. In many cases this resulted in an anxious view and fear toward the topic of money. It wasn’t discussed positively, if at all, around the kitchen table at home and very few were exposed to relatable financial education.

Life is dramatically different these days with the internet continuing to connect the world together. Opportunities are endless. With financial education you have every possible bit of information at your finger tips and within seconds. There is almost no excuse to not be better prepared when it comes to your own money. The only thing that holds most of us back now is the battling the old fears and allowing ourselves to take those first few steps to get started and begin to make better decisions.

Pete is one of those financial experts who is helping to lead the way with an array of books, blogs and video content to help others overcome their own perceived views and limitations. Pete’s ability to be able to convey helpful information and insight, no matter what level of knowledge or experience, has placed him as one of the more popular and well respected experts in Australia.

We cover a lot in this chat from Pete’s own story growing up in the UK and later moving out to Australia all through to mindset strategies and some investment insight. Lot’s of great information that will hopefully help us all work toward a better financial future.

(Disclaimer: Remember folks, no specific financial advice in this episode. Everyone has unique circumstances so go and see tailored, professional help).

To discover more about Pete, his books, blog and more, check out the links located in the show notes.

Show notes

Follow Pete via Main Website (Sign up to Pete’s mailing list to get the free ‘Wealth in Abundance’ e-book) | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | YouTube |
Read Pete’s Blog here
Pete’s Go Next Level Wealth website here
Check out his books here as well as direct links below;

The Wealth Way – Amazon
Take a Financial Leap – Amazon | Apple iBooks
Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel – Amazon | Apple iBooks
Get a Financial Grip – Amazon | Apple iBooks

Podcast

185 – Zac Smith-Cameron (Illustrator, Designer, Podcaster)

June 13, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Zac Smith-Cameron is an illustrator, designer and most recently becoming a podcaster. Working under his ‘I am Zac’ moniker, Zac has been creating a wide range of illustration art for the past several years. While a large portion of his work online are simple, striking piece of comic art, Zac has also lent his skills to some pieces that hit close to home for me, such as LORD’s “What Tomorrow Brings” cover art and “The Andy Social” podcast logo. Both of Zac’s incredible creations that I can say have become favourites not only personally but to many other people who now own many pieces of merchandise/music that are now adorn with his art.

Art is one of those things that I keep talking about and never do myself. Looking at the achievements of others, I often find myself saying that I could never do what they do. Zac is no exception to this way of thinking that I hold onto, however this chat is another example of where simply ‘showing up’ is most of the battle. Get started, keep going, be patient and the rewards will come.

Zac took this approach to the extreme in 2018 where he gave himself the challenge to draw a piece of art every day for a full year. When we spoke about this, Zac said there were often moments where he felt like he was dialling in a piece of art and other times where he almost missed a day completely but managed to get himself over the line… just.

While it would be a lot of fun to take on the challenge, I think very few of us would be able to maintain the consistency to do something day in, day out for a full year. As Zac mentions in the chat, it was one of the most rewarding things he has ever done.

When not creating art through design and illustration, Zac has extended his creative output with a podcast launched this year with co-host Adam Flannery called ‘Cruel and Unusual Nourishment‘. A show that documents the pair (and often with a special guest) exploring unusual and unsuspecting restaurants and food joints, reflecting on not only the food but the whole experience from walking in to walking out. Injected with a healthy dose of humour, you will find that most people (not exclusive to ‘foodies’) will be entertained as you hear the guys recap their descriptive and hilarious adventures.

To get a great dose of inspiration when it comes to illustration and art, be sure to follow Zac on the socials.

Quote from Dune that Zac referenced – “Muad’Dib learned rapidly because his first training was in how to learn. And the first lesson of all was the basic trust that he could learn. It’s shocking to find how many people do not believe they can learn, and how many more believe learning to be difficult. Muad’Dib knew that every experience carries its lesson.”

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Apparently 2019 is the year of people getting tattoos of my illustrations! Thanks @juddysaurus for hitting me up for a depiction of this iconic creature. Great work by Haku at @authentink_studio, love it! . More tattoo stuff to come. Sometimes I wonder if a career in tattooing is the way to go. I wonder if I’d go off ???? . . . . #pizza #birds #bird #animal #animals #nature #tattoo #tattoos #ink #inked #bodyart #create #draw #illustration #cartoon #flashtattoo #flash #art #artist #melbourne #sydney #australia

A post shared by ???? ???????? ???????????? (@iamzacs) on Jan 15, 2019 at 11:30pm PST

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Here’s a picture of the side of my head and the cover to the @iamnedcomic I’ve been working on for aaaages! So close to completion! . . . . #comic #comics #zombie #zombies #selfie #digital #drawing #illustration #draw #art #arte #creative #melbourne #design #wacom #cintiq #horror #death #dead #iamzac

A post shared by ???? ???????? ???????????? (@iamzacs) on Sep 26, 2017 at 3:13pm PDT

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I drew this for @andydowling and his new podcast The Andy Social, find it on Facebook, woo!

A post shared by ???? ???????? ???????????? (@iamzacs) on Aug 27, 2015 at 2:14am PDT

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Here’s the art I put together for the awesome What Tomorrow Brings EP by @lordofficial – had a good time with this and the guys were great to work with too!

A post shared by ???? ???????? ???????????? (@iamzacs) on Aug 18, 2015 at 5:54am PDT

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My 2015 #COMMISSIONS are open for good! Thanks to all the awesome people who supported me last year, looking forward to putting together some great stuff again in #2015 – no matter how weird or whacky! My black & whites are $60 EACH, but more for colours. Great for #gifts #invitations #weeaboo or just if you like rad #art iamzac.au@gmail.com

A post shared by ???? ???????? ???????????? (@iamzacs) on Jan 4, 2015 at 3:57pm PST

Podcast

184 – Josh Richards (Astronaut Candidate – Mars One)

June 6, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Would you consider taking up an offer to go on a one way trip to Mars? Sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel. Amazingly for Josh Richards who’s an Astronaut Candidate for the Mars One Project, this is a reality that not only he is facing, but is running full speed at.

The Mars One Project aims to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars. Initially racking up 200,000 initiated applications, over the past several years the project has slowly dwindled the candidate pool down to 100 remaining. 50 men and 50 women. Josh is one of the last 100 and is still in the race to leave planet Earth permanently.

Josh is a real jack of all trades. Not only has he embraced the current identity as an Astronaut Candidate but is also a Physicist, Explosives Engineer, Soldier, Author and… a Comedian! While Josh doesn’t believe any of his journey to date has been planned out, his wide range of skills have no doubt helped him stay in the race for Mars One.

In 2017, Josh released his book ‘Becoming Martian’ which covers a whole range of topics when it comes to the mission of colonising Mars including the impacts to human body and mind. With a background in comedy and doing a number of shows around the country for several years, Josh has injected his own humour and knowledge into the book making it quite an entertaining and informative read.

At the time of Josh and I catching up for a chat, Josh was in the midst of writing his next book which will talk about his own personal story and his feelings toward the decision to pursue a goal that many of us would never think to consider. During our chat Josh spoke about some of his experiences in comedy, the military and the number of stages he has had to endure to ensure he is still in the running for Mars One.

Josh may very well be the first Andy Social guest to not only leave the planet but to never come back. Mind blown.

To grab Becoming Martian and follow/support Josh’s incredible journey, check out all of the links in the show notes.

Podcast

183 – Edward Banchs (Author, Heavy Metal Africa, Africanist)

May 30, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Heavy Metal Africa. Three words that for many of us in the western world may not normally see together. For the past couple of decades however, metal music has been slowly finding a place in the lives of many across the continent of Africa and continues to grow in popularity, challenging stereotypes and cultural norms.

Helping to bring the stories of metal fans and musicians from the continent to the global stage, Edward Banchs might not initially appear to be a likely suspect when you think of someone who has an extensive knowledge of continent of Africa. Equipped however with a BA in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, and an MA in African Studies from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, Edward has been able to use his formal education and love of metal to bring these important stories to a larger audience in a way that gives a deserving and appropriate spotlight to those sharing them.

The challenging stereotypes that many metal fans have had to face over the years are commonly shared in Africa as well. Not only are there local issues of perception but also awareness and opportunity to listen and perform music. Metal musician specifically in Africa have the additional battle and debate surrounding whether to incorporate cultural music influences into their songs or push more toward a global sound to avoid being seen as a novelty which is a constant hurdle.

Edward’s trips to Africa over the years has seen him interact with some incredible people. In Heavy Metal Africa, Edward finds himself in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Madagascar and Zimbabwe which only begins to scrape the surface when it comes to the impact that metal music is having. The book goes into great depth and touches on the personal successes as well as struggles of those who live in parts of the world that many of us have never experienced.

When I caught up with Edward we spoke a great deal about the book, his background and where his interest in African culture comes from. We talk about some of those first metal encounters that Edward had in Africa and like any good conversation about the genre, we trade some of our personal favourite moments in metal.

You don’t need to be a fan of metal music to enjoy Heavy Metal Africa. The way Edward has documented his journey in the continent is presented in a way that opens up the various cultures and ways of life that these metal fans and musicians are living. It’s a real fascinating read and certainly fires you up if you call yourself a bit of a metal fan.

You can grab Heavy Metal Africa in both paperback and kindle via Amazon. All links to the book and videos from some of Edward’s favourite African metal bands can be found in the show notes.

Show notes

Skinflint photo by Portia T. Muigai | Photo of Edward by Ashley Reynolds

Allkiniah from Madagascar

Deity’s Muse from South Africa

ParkingLotGrass from Kenya

Wrust from Botswana

You can grab Heavy Metal Africa in both paperback and kindle via Amazon. All links to the book and videos from some of Edward’s favourite African metal bands can be found in the show notes.

Show notes

Skinflint photo by Portia T. Muigai | Photo of Edward by Ashley Reynolds

Allkiniah from Madagascar

Deity’s Muse from South Africa

ParkingLotGrass from Kenya

Wrust from Botswana

Podcast

182 – Aaron Sammut (Writer and Comic Creator)

May 23, 2019November 27, 2020
by andy

Aaron Sammut is a writer and comic book creator. Inspired by the opening riffs of Master of Puppets by Metallica, Aaron put together the concept of what has now become the comic, “Maurice and the Metal” – A young metalhead living in the mid 80s who discovers superhuman strength whenever he listens to metal, possessed by the spirit of a Black Sabbath roadie.

Issue one is out now and comprises of artwork by US comic artist Jesse Hamm. The first instalment kicks off this nostalgic throwback to what it felt like to be energised by what many of us would proudly say is the best genre of music.

Speaking of nostalgia, in our chat Aaron and I reflected on our own discoveries into the world of heavy metal and those moments that left us feeling like we were invincible. We also spoke about other childhood interests such as comics, video games and even some NBA basketball card talk. Lots of throw backs in this chat!

Aaron also turned the tables a bit during our chat and asked me a number of questions about being in LORD, in what he said was research for the upcoming editions of the Maurice and the Metal journey. More than happy to contribute!

If you’re in Brisbane on Saturday 1 June, Aaron will be officially launching Maurice and the Metal at Crowbar as part of the Heavy Metal Market day. Entry is free and Aaron will have signed copies of the first edition available to giveaway so be sure to swing by, grab a beer, a copy of the comic and talk all things metal with Aaron.

For more information about Maurice and the Metal, check out the links in the show notes.

Show notes
Check out Maurice and the Metal via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | Big Cartel |
Maurice Metal Mix Tape Spotify Playlist – Give it a follow!

309 – Rohan Stevenson (I Built the Sky)
Rohan Stevenson is the man behind I Built the Sky. An instrumental guitar project which Rohan has been self releasing music under since 2012. Follow Rohan via the I Built the Sky pages. New album coming soon in 2022. Show notes Follow Rohan/I Built the Sky via Main Website | Bandcamp | Patreon | Facebook |
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308 – Shep Hyken (Customer Service Expert)
Shep Hyken is a Customer Service and Experience Expert as well as the Chief Amazement Officer of Shep Presentations. I’ve been a big fan of Shep’s books for a while now and use a lot of his teachings to improve the way we run our band LORD. In particular, how we interact with our friends
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307 – Ben Hamilton (Kickin’ the Punt)
Ben Hamilton and his wife Jasmine formed Kickin’ the Punt in 2020 which encourages honest conversations about gambling addiction, as well as exposing the predatory behaviour of the gambling industry. Ben has battled a gambling addiction himself over the years and is now using his platform to help others. If you want to learn more
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