Penny Ashton | The Live Performance Addict: How she chose real audiences over screen fame

David Hunt | Why Supporting the Arts Became My Life's Purpose

Episode Summary(Spotify) Andrew sits down with David Hunt, one of Melbourne's most passionate arts advocates, to explore a career dedicated to supporting creatives and telling their stories. From working with major record labels to hosting Sunday Arts Magazine on JOY 94.9, David shares how genuine curiosity, meaningful conversations, and a lifelong love of the arts have shaped his journey. Together, they discuss the importance of community media, the impact of championing emerging artists, and why the best interviews come from listening, not just asking questions. At its heart, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the arts alive.

Emily McDougall | Why Rejection Might Be the Best Thing for Your Career

Andrew sits down with Emily McDougall to explore the journey from growing up in Tasmania with big dreams to building a career on the musical theatre stage. Emily reflects on discovering her love of storytelling through dance, music, and school productions, the leap of leaving home to pursue professional training, and why chasing a creative career requires resilience, patience, and an unwavering belief in yourself. She opens up about the realities of life as a performer, from navigating constant auditions and rejection to finding purpose in every opportunity, whether it leads to a "yes" or a "no." Emily also shares how roles like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde challenged her both physically and mentally, teaching her invaluable lessons about endurance, preparation, and confidence under pressure. The conversation also dives into her role as Campbell in Bring It On, where she discusses learning the demanding world of competitive cheer, working alongside elite athletes, and why the show's central message about friendship and community resonates far beyond the stage. Emily reveals what audiences don't see behind the curtain, from backstage rituals and lightning-fast costume changes to the supportive culture that makes theatre feel like home. At its heart, this episode is about embracing uncertainty, finding strength through community, and discovering that success isn't defined by every opportunity you win—but by having the courage to keep showing up for the stories you're meant to .

Abbey Duckworth | Why Confidence Comes After You Take the Leap

Andrew sits down with Abbey Duckworth to explore the journey from elite competitive cheerleading to making a musical theatre debut in Bring It On. Abbey reflects on discovering cheer as a young teenager, overcoming anxiety and self-doubt, and how the sport gave her confidence, lifelong friendships, and a sense of belonging that shaped who she is today. She shares what life as an elite cheerleader is really like, from years of intense training and international competitions in the UK and New Zealand to the physical and mental resilience required behind every performance. Abbey also challenges common misconceptions about cheerleading, revealing the technical skill, teamwork, and discipline that audiences often overlook. The conversation follows Abbey's transition into musical theatre, where she opens up about stepping into an unfamiliar world alongside experienced performers. She talks about embracing the discomfort of being a beginner again, the welcoming community she found within the theatre industry, and why learning new skills has reignited her passion for performing. At its heart, this episode is about having the courage to start something new, finding confidence through community, and discovering that it's never too late to pursue the creative path you've always imagined.

Reuby Chip | From Finding Himself to Finding His Voice

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with actor Reuby Chip to explore the journey of finding authenticity through storytelling, theatre, and self-expression. Reuby reflects on growing up in Sydney, moving to Melbourne in search of a fresh start, and discovering a creative community that helped them embrace who they truly are. The conversation delves into the realities of life as a performer, the power of vulnerability, and the lessons learned from Melbourne's independent theatre scene. Andrew and Reuby also discuss Foreplay, the acclaimed queer comedy that explores love, desire, relationships, and the universal search for connection. Ultimately, this episode is about belonging, embracing change, and the courage to be fully seen.

Tom Stokes | The Persistence Performer: Why rejection never gets easier—and why that's a good thing

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with actor Tom Stokes, whose career has spanned theatre, film, and television, to explore the realities of pursuing a life in the arts. What begins as a conversation about performance quickly becomes an honest reflection on rejection, persistence, creativity, and the courage required to keep showing up when success is never guaranteed. Tom shares stories from his early years in Perth, the teachers and mentors who encouraged him to pursue acting, and the decision to commit fully to the craft without a backup plan. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the industry, navigating periods of uncertainty, and learning how to separate personal worth from professional rejection. Along the way, he reveals how some of the opportunities that felt like devastating setbacks ultimately led to the most significant breakthroughs in his career. The conversation also dives into his latest production, Anna X, a provocative stage play inspired by the true story of Anna Delvey. Together, Andrew and Tom explore the themes of ambition, status, social media, deception, and the growing tension between who we are and who we present ourselves to be online. Ultimately, this episode is about resilience, embracing uncertainty, and trusting that persistence—not perfection—is often what shapes a meaningful creative life.