Yarn About You Podcast

This episode of Yarn About You features Ivan King — Australian entertainment legend, veteran performer and founder of Perth’s Museum of Performing Arts. Ivan and I sat down for a chat to share decades of theatre stories and backstage memories from his time in the entertainment industry. We discuss a lifetime of memories as well as his incredible dedication and work rescuing and preserving the region’s theatrical history. Tune in for personal anecdotes, rare memorabilia tales, and a love letter to Western Australia’s performing arts heritage. I hope you enjoy our yarn... Clay

In this episode of Yarn About You, join Clay as he connects with his long-time friend and multi-talented performer, Vivienne Garrett. From their initial meeting in 1991 to a recent visit in the picturesque Margaret River, Clay and Vivienne embark on an engaging conversation that covers her history, extraordinary career, and her deep-seated passion for self-exploration. Vivienne's journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. With accomplishments spanning voiceover artistry, theatre directing, voice coaching, and teaching, she has also made her mark as a devoted yoga instructor. Follow Vivienne's pathways through the highs and lows of the acting world, her unforgettable experiences in India, and her steadfast dedication to living an authentic and creative life. Listen in as they reflect on life, creativity, and the world around us with laughter and sincerity.

Andrew Mercado is an Australian Television Historian, documentarian, educator, writer, author, presenter, producer, commentator, podcaster, emcee, trivia host and former cinema owner. Andrew Mercado has been a fixture in the Australian Entertainment industry for over 30 years featuring in regular segments on TV shows, radio, podcasts, blogs, Newspapers and magazines. He is one of the most passionate supporters of television and the people who make it happen. Andrew is also a genuinely lovely person and I am very happy to call him my friend. I hope you enjoy our yarn!

In this episode of Yarn About You, I welcome the multi-talented Rick Ireland. Rick, an actor, emcee, educator, and counsellor, shares his incredible journey from his early life in Toowoomba, Queensland, to his diverse career in the entertainment industry. He recounts his experiences working on iconic Australian TV shows, like Prisoner, his deep connections with beloved actors like the late Maxine Klibingaitis, and his transformative spiritual and emotional healing journey. Rick opens up about his family's influence, his struggles with identity and health, and how he found solace in meditation and counselling. This episode is a touching tribute to resilience, family, friendship, and the power of connection and storytelling. We learn about Rick's remarkable life and the indelible impact he's made on those around him. I hope you enjoy our yarn.

Karen Petersen is a living legend of Australian theatre, film and television. She is a NSW Central Coast resident who is an all round creative. She is a talented writer, singer and historian who loves the nostalgia of yester-year. I have known Karen for a number of years and am very proud to call her my friend. I hope you enjoy our yarn! Clay

Deb Mayes is a devoted photographer and entertainment reporter who has followed the careers of national and international artists of the stage and screen for as long as she can remember. She is a passionate supporter of local up and coming artists and she loves nothing more than to be in an audience with her camera. I am very proud to call Deb my friend and I hope you enjoy our yarn! August 2022

Today’s guest is Annie Wright. Annie is a local Sydney & Central Coast resident with an extensive background in the music and film industry – Both here in Australia and internationally. Annie has worked with the likes of Abba, David Bowie, The Eagles, Lou Reed, John Denver, Sting and The Police, Annie Lennox, The Village People, George Thorogood Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines and more… Many of which becoming lifelong friends Annie has been described as a pocket-rocket with a passion for promotion and I’m very happy to call her my friend. I hope you enjoy our yarn!

Today’s guest is, Order of Australia recipient, Liz Mullinar. Liz was an absolute powerhouse in the Australian Entertainment Industry before heading in a different direction, dedicating her life to help abuse victims on their journey of healing. She is an accomplished Author and speaker. She is a co-founder of Advocate for Survivors of Child Abuse and the founder of Heal For Life Foundation. For more information on Liz Mullinar’s work or to purchase her books, visit www.healforlife.com.au

Maxine Klibingaitis is an absolute legend in Australian television with credits in shows such as: She is fondly remembered as BOBBIE MITCHELL in the iconic TV show PRISONER, where she had a 2 year run. I was devastated when Maxine suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in April 2023. We had spoken to her the day before and she had plans for the future. This podcast was so special when we recorded it (less than a year earlier), but now it is absolutely priceless. I have always been a fan of Maxine. She was a bright light and a genuinely beautiful person who I am very proud to call my friend. I hope you enjoy our yarn. Clay *A special THANK YOU to Rick Ireland for connecting Maxine and I years ago. Rick is a guest on episode 009 and we discuss the beautiful Maxine and the effect her life and passing has on us.

Mr Phillip Bligh is a passionate advocate for connecting people in our community. Phil is a proud Indigenous family man, An Elder and member of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Phil is also Vice President of Committee that runs “The 5 Lands Walk” – an incredible 10km public walk, held each year, on the NSW Central Coast. He is a fierce supporter of not only Indigenous inclusion and recognition in society, but also Australians originating from other cultures. It was Phil’s influence of telling and listening to people’s stories that pushed me to start this podcast. To me, Phil Bligh is not only a respected elder and mentor in the Aboriginal community, but I’m also lucky enough to call him my friend. I hope you enjoy our yarn…

James Charles is an actor and writer who has had an interesting creative life here (in Australia) and around the world. James is an absolute gentleman who chats with me about his life, which saw him move from London to Australia 11 years ago. His story is compelling and his positive attitude and dedication to continue to improve his life is extremely inspirational! I am very proud to call James my friend and I hope you enjoy our yarn… Clay

Kellie Martin is a Central Coast, NSW, local who I met through Woy Woy Little Theatre. We first worked on a short play (where she had to call me a very naughty word!) & since worked together on 2 other full length productions in each where she played my wife. I regularly refer to her as my favourite wife (...Amanda loves that!). I really don't understand her silliness & immaturity, but put up with it because I am such a lovely person... Enjoy our test run podcast!