Maker & Creator

"Dean of Awesome Sydney". It's a pretty cool title, awesome even. So how does one get such a title? On this episode we interview the very creative, socially connected, lover of the arts Theresa Winters. She's part of The Awesome Foundation, a global network of micro-giving chapters that give $100 of their own money every month to awesome projects. Theresa heads up the Sydney chapter. Together with a panel of 9 others they fund out-there ideas that make Sydney more awesome.The catch? There isn’t one. Since its foundation in 2011, the Sydney chapter has received more than 800 micro-grant applications and given away nearly $80,000. That's a whole lot of awesome. Go ahead and listen to find out what kind of awesome ideas have been funded over the years. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his newspaper decided to stop his bar review column (and therefore stop funding his perpetual cocktail habit), journalist Dan Kaufman started one of Australia's first bar blogs. BarZine was built out of spite over a decade ago inline with the small bar scene awakening in Sydney. Dan has just finished his first novel, 'Drowning in the Shallows', a comedy about a heartbroken journo who has to write about Sydney’s bars and social scene for a paper. Although he insists it's not autobiographical! On this episode, we delve into the creative writing process of constructing a novel. Short-form blogging versus long-form and how he's learnt to handle the rejection that comes with such a competitive industry. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back! And this time talking all things SCIENCE. Which is timely, considering the recent shuttle launch. Apologising in advance for the Zoom-quality audio. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever seen a beautiful colour and thought you'd love to paint your wall that shade? But then you take a picture on your phone and when you try to match it at the paint shop it's near impossible? Two Melbourne based engineering students set out to solve this problem and created an app called Palette https://palette.com/. Looking to disrupt the traditional paint industry further they started a direct-to-consumer paint brand called Tint (www.tintpaint.com.au). Alex Roberts is their uber-creative product development manager and is actually married to one of those engineers. She tells us how the business started and shares her creative tips on how to make expressing your creativity through home renovations fun and simple. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome back to the show Grace Rouvray from 600 Bottles of Wine (S1E19). This time she's brought with her Katie Lees who she's recently teamed up with to produce an hour-long, live comedy show called Hour of Power. On this episode, we chat about cliched single, white, female comedy topics. How they're tackling typical eye-rolling topics (think hens parties and first dates) in a fresh way. We also delve into the creative process of editing and critiquing your partner's work when it comes to a comedy show, especially when friendship is involved. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Hawaa is a classic car & motorcycle enthusiast. He’s also the founder of The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - an annual event where motorcycle enthusiasts wear their finest attire and take to the streets of their city to raise money for worthwhile charities and to have a good time. The event attracts 125,000 participants globally across 700 cities. To date they’ve raised over USD$35m for prostate cancer research and male suicide prevention. On this episode we hear how a once small idea has led to a change in perception of motorcycle culture globally. Mark shares the joys and challenges of philanthropy and let’s us in on what’s next on his horizon. This interview is inspiring on so many levels and a must listen. Links we discuss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQzRrfL9IHg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9yznPZuFlc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tbJWWFteFshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYjSPEiKMOAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA2I1RLyYKQ&t=2sSupport the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many would know Daimon Downey as the former lead singer of the Aria award-winning band Sneaky Sound System. These days he is an acclaimed artist who specialises painting, sculpture and ceramics. On this episode, we hear about how a chance encounter at a party led to over a decade of musical success. How the transition from music to art came with great vulnerability but also tremendous reward. We also chat about the future of art and culture as we face a tumultuous new world with the spread of Covid-19. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back for season three. Ever thought about doing stand-up comedy? For some, that suggestion is absolutely terrifying. What if no one laughs? What if I forget the punch line? What if I'm just not funny? Marie El Daghl shares how she took the leap from public relations and media training to putting herself well and truly out of her comfort zone to become a stand-up comedian. Listen to this episode and you must just be inspired to give stand-up a crack yourself. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andea Barrett epitomises the notion of creativity and is the ultimate maker and creator. She’s a costume designer, diamond setting and jewellery maker and she’s also an award winning burlesque performer who goes by the name of Diesel Darling. On this episode we talk about the adoption of different personas that creatives often take on when working in their chosen field. We speak about mental health and performance as an outlet and hear some hilarious stories about what has inspired some of Andea’s burlesque performances over the years. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The digitisation of processes is leading to a changing landscape for both employers and employees. Tom Sigelski spent 17 years working at Red Bull in various marketing roles all centred around developing culture. He now runs a business called The Human Sherpa where he consults to businesses on strategy, people development and culture creation externally and within their own business. As more and more jobs become automated in the workplace there seems to be a stronger emphasis on human skills and creativity. Tom predicts that the most sought after future jobs will be those where you need both head and heart. Roles where you’re caring for humans or using your creativity. Alex and Jye chat about how organisations can further foster creativity in their workplace and more on this episode. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Mathews is a director, screenwriter, actor and acting coach. Charlotte Chimes is a successful Australian actress and small business entrepreneur. They recently performed together in a play called We Are the Himalayas produced by Brave New World Theatre Company in Sydney where they played an on-screen couple. They are also off-screen partners. On this episode we talk about what it’s like having two really, really creative people in a relationship. How you support each other through the vulnerable ups and downs of acting, shared goals and how they navigate the challenges and joys of working non-conventional work hours. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Sinclair (@spreadcheesefabrications) is a fabricator specialising in custom motorcycle modifications. On Maker & Creator we talk to a lot of people who create in the digital world but on this episode we talk about the resurgence back to traditional craft roles and making physical products. We also delve into James' creative process including the use of micro-dosing magic mushrooms to help solve creative problems. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kady O Connell, also known Kady Creative, runs a successful design agency, has written her very own cookbook and is a networking queen. On this episode Alex Adams and I talk about what it takes to start a business in the design industry, what inspired her to become a graphic designer in the first place and how she manages a team remotely. She also shares her tips on how maintain your worth as a creative and manage client’s expectations. #podcast #creativity#branding Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damien Cassar (@damiencassardirector) is an award winning Australian director, writer and creative who picked up a camera at the age of six and has been making films ever since. On this episode we talk about finding his identity through film making, the vulnerability that comes with any creative outlet, especially comedians, and ways to manage stress and anxiety. We also make some bold predictions about the future of film and how people will consuming content in the decades to come. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Maker & Creator we chat to journalist turned agency exec Lindsay Bennett on the state of journalism in Australia today, how it's changed and where it's heading. We learn about what it's like doing a cadetship along with some defining moments in Lindsay's career including a few epic fails. Interestingly Lindsay didn't consider herself a "creative" working as a journalist and at times had to switch on the "fake it till you make it" attitude to get a head start in a competitive industry. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the biggest and most successful campaigns in the world have had the simplest slogans. Got Milk? Share a Coke, VW’s Think Small are just a few examples. In this episode we meet Georgia Norton, the graphic designer who turned her quirky passion for something quite simple into a successful business. Georgia Draws A House is the name of that business and as you'll hear this started as a side hustle which exploded overnight after a chance article in the Domain / Sydney Morning Herald. Soon she was making the same salary in her side business as her full time job. See how this creative turned drawing people's houses into a full time business. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you grew up in Australia in the 80s-00s you'll no doubt remember waking up early and watching the best music clips count down on ABC's Rage. Learning all the dance moves in time with the video clip and belting out the lyrics to your favourite bands was something that happened in lounge rooms all across the country. On this episode we chat to Ben Harrison, a creative who recently had his first music video on Rage. Take a trip down memory lane with us as we chat about our favourite video clips of all time. The good, bad and the ugly and how music and film are connected in today's culture. ALL LINKS WE REFER TO! Ben's Videos: Totally Unicorn "Prized Pig" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc5xTFVcMjo Devine Electric "Shy Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_ZGCwQ-fm4 Marvin Gaye vs Robin Thicke: Marvin Gaye "Got to Give it Up" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayyy-03ITDg Robin Thicke "Blurred Lines" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwT6DZCQi9k Radiohead vs the Hollies vs Lana Del Rey The Hollies "The Air that I breathe" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HydvceA1PAI Radiohead "Creep"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkzRNyygfk Lana Del Rey "Get Free" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzP4kQhlPBY Rick Beato comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV8jYTfxJTI Clips we discussed: Aphex Twin "Windowlicker" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZT3gTu4Sjw Rage Against the Machine "People of the Sun" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scyC9A6o_Ts A Perfect Circle "Judith" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTgKRCXybSM Cibo Matto "Sugar Water" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN9auBn6Jys Kylie Minogue "Come into my world" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63vqob-MljQ Bonus: John Safran gets a song on Rage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=790CydS7kP4 Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week something very different. A cross-over special with Jye's first podcast: Better in Bed which he hosts with sex coach Sara Tang - a podcast on sex and sexuality in Hong Kong. This episode is one of Jye's favourite's featuring fellow aussie Elena Gabrielle. Love it or hate it, we all have to play the dating game to stand a chance of finding love or even getting laid. Sara and Jye discuss the triumphs and travails of dating in today's world with the very entertaining Elena Gabrielle (https://www.elenagabrielle.com/). As a comedienne from touring dating show "Story Party" and host of sex-positive, underground variety show Dirrty Cabaret in Berlin, Elena has heard it all. From stories of bad boys with ankle bracelets, to second cousins and anal speculums, Elena shares the good, bad, and truly filthy dating stories that she's picked up on tour. We also talk about sex on the first date, "ghosting" and how online dating has changed the game. So stop swiping and start listening! To submit your stories, questions and feedback for the show, or get more advice on sex and dating, find us at www.sarasense.com / follow @hellosarasense. Produced by Jye Smith (@doublestarco, jye@doublestar.co) Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good, the bad and ugly of Australian interior and architectural design with two up and coming designers. Support the show: http://patreon.com/strategyhotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.