The Conversation of the Nation Podcasts
Sunday Night with Mal Garvin
The Conversation of the Nation
Great guests, enjoyable competitions and useful prizes, “Sunday Night with Mal Garvin” is rightly dubbed “the conversation of the nation.” From the studio of Heart FM in Poatina, Tasmania, the show is broadcast nationally via satellite and now internationally on the web www.heartfm.org
Stay tuned to this site each week you can listen to one of the interviews from Mal Garvin's Conversation of the Nation show.
2008
February 3rd 2008
Click here to listen to the interview with Adam Brand(6.4Mb)
Adam Brand
2008 marks the 10th anniversary of the release of his self-titled debut album.
He is an award-winning country music artist who has recently collected 3 Golden Guitars to add to his collection. He is one of Australia’s most popular country music artists.
Daniel spoke to Adam Brand about his release “Blame It On Eve”, which some say is his best album to date.
Click here to listen to the interview with Anne Hampshire(3.9Mb)
Anne Hampshire
Australia’s largest annual survey of young people has found that body image is the biggest worry for 11-24 year olds (both male and female).
Daniel spoke with Mission Australia’s spokesperson Anne Hampshire about this survey that gives an insight into the values and concerns of Australia’s youth.
Click here to listen to the interview with Mary Drum(3.6Mb)
Mary Drum
Mary Drum was the sales and marketing director who was responsible for bringing to Australia M.I.L.K or Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship series of books that have sold over 2.8 million copies in approximately 30 countries.
Mary has now created from photos from the original collection 3 new books under the title “Grace: an imprint”, that encourages reflection and celebrates humanity and community.
January 27th 2008
Click here to listen to the interview with David Bussau(7.6Mb)
David Bussau
On Australia Day we celebrated what it means to be an Aussie, the spirit of volunteerism and what it means to help out a mate.
Mal also spoke to the 2008 Senior Australian of the Year David Bussau, whose micro-credit organization “Opportunity International” has provided small business loans to the poor and created millions of jobs in 29 developing countries around the world.
Click here to listen to the interview with Jim Haynes(6.5Mb)
Jim Haynes
As the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival came to a climax with the Golden Guitar Awards being announced Mal spoke to author, singer-songwriter, poet and award-winning entertainer Jim Haynes whose “Big Brekky Variety Shows” have been one of the highlights of the annual Country Music Festival.
Mal also spoke to Jim about his love for the Aussie culture and how things turned out at Tamworth this year.
Click here to listen to the interview with Senator Guy Barnett(4.9Mb)
Senator Guy Barnett
Mal spoke to Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Guy Barnett about what Australia Day means to him and how after the last elections, Aussies can work together to make a better place for the next generation.
2007
October 28th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Ruth Webber(5.3Mb)
Ruth Webber
If you were born between 1981-1995, then you belong to the Y Generation. A generation, according to the latest research, where a high percentage don't get involved in community service or have any real religion and have aspired to the values and idealism of individualism and consumerism.
To find out how true this is, Daniel Townsend spoke to Associate Professor Ruth Webber, one of the researchers behind a study entitled “The Spirit of Generation Y: young people's spirituality in a changing australia”.
Click here to listen to the interview with Andrew Mullins(4.6Mb)
Andrew Mullins
Reports have shown that anxious year 12 students are flocking to psychologists more than ever for help as they prepare themselves for this stressful period.
Daniel spoke to school principle and author Andrew Mullins about this time of the year and gave practical ways for how parents can cope with this period and stay sane.
October 21st 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Mark Thomson(4.4Mb)
Mark Thomson
It's been said that every man needs his shed. The shed is a place to fix things, store things and invent things. It's a mans' pride and joy. There are farm sheds, car sheds, tool sheds and storage sheds and they all tell a story. Daniel spoke to Mark Thomson, a man who's been inside more sheds than you could imagine, about his new book “Makers, Breakers and Fixers – Inside Australia's Most Resourceful Sheds” and about what people do inside their sheds. What's your shed like?
Click here to listen to the interview with Dr Genevieve Nelson(2.7Mb)
Dr Genevieve Nelson
What does it mean to be an Aussie? Where are we heading as a nation? What do we (Aussies) stand for? With the coming election at our door-step, these are valuable questions to ask. Daniel spoke to Dr Genervieve Nelson, one of the co-ordinators of the “Australian Identity Survey”. This survey is to help draw a more accurate picture of who we are today and to what extent we identify with our various nationalities. So, what does it mean to be a true blue Aussie?
Click here to listen to the interview with Matt Lucas (6.5Mb)
Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas is a singer/song-writer who began his musical career as a drummer, playing with such musicians as Tommy Emmanuel and Colin Buchanan. Now, as a solo artist, Matt's brand of reflective music has made him popular in schools, churches and concert halls around the country. Daniel spoke to Matt about his music, his motivations and where the future is heading for him.
October 14th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Sue Pieters-Hawke(4.6Mb)
Sue Pieters-Hawke
In Australia today, 2.6 million people are classified as carers of loved ones who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to care for themselves. ‘National Carers Week’ celebrates these carers. Daniel interviewed one of the ambassadors for Carers Week, Sue Pieters-Hawke, who herself is a carer for one of Australia’s most admired and loved persons Hazel Hawke.
Click here to listen to the interview with Sheryl McCorry (3.9Mb)
Sheryl McCorry
Daniel talked to Sheryl McCorry, a lady who became the first woman in the Kimberly to run 2 different million-acre cattle stations. Sheryl grew up in the outback of Arnhem Land and it wasn’t until she was 18 that she saw her first television and used a mobile phone. Daniel talked to Sheryl about her story as written in her autobiography "Diamonds & Dust".
Click here to listen to the interview with Eloise Wellings (4.7Mb)
Eloise Wellings
Eloise Wellings:
At 16 she was a promising athlete bound for a gold medal. That journey was halted when anorexia and stress fractures changed her life’s journey for a while. Her recovery was slow but after 4 years she won gold at the World Student Games.
In last years Melbourne Commonwealth Games she came 4th in the 3,000metre. Daniel spoke to Eloise Wellings about her career and what motivates her to push on in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
October 7th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Varcha Sidwell (5.5Mb)
Varcha Sidwell
Ever wondered what it would be like to live the life of an enclosed nun? All will be revealed in a new ABC three-part ‘Compass’ series.
Called, ‘The Abbey’, it follows five ordinary Aussie women as they spend 33 days and nights living as enclosed Benedictine nuns. Mal spoke with award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer and director Varcha Sidwell about the concept and how this experience effected and changed the lives of those 5 women.
Click here to listen to the interview with Mike Brady (8.3Mb)
Mike Brady
He wrote ‘Up There Cazaly’, ‘One Day In September’ and many other songs that have become part of the Aussie Rules football language. He has written advertising jingles for most of Australia’s famous brands including ‘Lucky, you’re with AAMI’ and ‘Hard Yakka’. Many of his songs have been recorded by leading artists including Tina Arena, John Farnham, Renee Geyer, and Sammy Davis Jnr. His name is Mike Brady – and Mal spoke with him about his latest country music album, ‘Country To Country’ and a career that has spanned decades.
Click here to listen to the interview with Peter Irvine(4.5Mb)
Peter Irvine
The first Gloria Jean’s coffee store was opened in Sydney in 1996. Today the Australian franchise boasts 422 stores throughout the country and the worldwide rights to the Gloria Jean’s brand is owned by Australians. Mal spoke to co-founder of Gloria Jean’s Coffee Australia, Peter Irvine, a man who believes that giving back to the community is a way of winning in business. Mal spoke with Peter about his new book, entitled ‘Win in Business’, how business and spiritual values do mix and can make a difference to the community and the world.
September 30th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Christina Henri(4.5Mb)
Christina Henri
Mal spoke with Christina Henri, a ‘fine arts student’ who co-ordinates a project called “Roses From The Heart”, that recognises the lives of convict women that came to Australia. Christina is looking for people who have links with their convict past to help make 25,000 bonnets to honour the convict women and their role in the community. Mal asked why this project has caught the fascination of people all over the world, and where she sees this project, and others she is involved in, heading.
Click here to listen to the interview with Katherine Wright(4.5Mb)
Katherine Wright
It has been said that asylum seekers are possibly the most marginalised and least understood group in our society. Approximately 8,000 asylum seekers are living lawfully in the community and being supported by family and friends, but there are at least 500 in Melbourne alone that have no support at all. Because of their status, they are not eligible to receive any Government support or have the right to work. They rely on the good-will of churches and the community for their housing, food and medical costs. One community group that is making a difference in “The Asylum Seeker Project”, which is part of the Uniting Church Hotham Mission. As they celebrate their 10th year of operation, Mal spoke to Katherine Wright, the community and research co-ordinator, about this project and ways in which the community can be hospitable to those who for various reasons would like to see Australia as their home.
September 23rd 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Sigrid Thornton (6.2Mb)
Sigrid Thornton
She is one of Australia’s leading and best loved actresses. She has starred in many TV and film productions, including “The Man From Snowy River”. Her ABC series “Sea Change” became the No.1 drama show on national television.
She has performed on stage in a number of theatre productions including “The Blue Room”, which was one of the most successful plays on tour in Australia in recent years.
Her name is Sigrid Thornton and Mal spoke with her about taking to the stage to take on her latest production – the monologue “Her Big Chance”.
Click here to listen to the interview with Derek Linsell (4.3Mb)
Derek Linsell
With the footy grand final just around the corner and on everyone’s lips, Mal had a look at a different aspect of the AFL as he spoke to Derek Linsell, the CEO of the AFL Foundation. This Foundation supports charitable causes and community groups, especially those less fortunate than others. Derek spoke about their latest project, providing an AFL house for the homeless in each state in Australia.
September 16th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Graeme Connors (8.7Mb)
Graeme Connors
Graeme Connors is one of Australia’s finest & most prolific songwriters, and his music has been said to have changed the way we see our country and its people. He is an award-winning artist who has recorded 14 albums and has written songs for the likes of John Denver, Slim Dusty and Jon English. Mal spoke to Graeme about the release of his latest album, “The Last Supperteers”, an album that combines Graeme’s songwriting skills and the high energy of a band of fiddlers calling themselves “Fiddler’s Feast”. A bold concept that has worked well.
Click here to listen to the interview with Bernard Hull (7.1Mb)
Bernard Hull
Australian tenor Bernard Hull has had vast experience in commercial music theatre, opera, oratorio and film. He is an accomplished song-writer, music arranger and recording engineer with a number of solo albums to his credit. He is also a keen amateur photographer, a grower of orchids and much more. Mal spoke to Bernard about his vast career and what inspires and motivated him on his life journey, and played some of his inspirational music.
Click here to listen to the interview with Professor Anita Bundy (4.7Mb)
Professor Anita Bundy
Mal spoke with Sydney University Health Sciences professor Anita Bundy, who believes that ‘safety first measures have killed off the fun in children’s playgrounds’ and that ‘when you take all the risk out of anything, kids get bored’. From her latest research entitled “Popping the Bubble Wrap” Mal spoke with Professor Bundy about the changes and effects that modern day safety standards have had on the growth of children.
September 9th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Tom Holloway(3.7Mb)
Tom Holloway
Playwright Tom Holloway was one of the many Tasmanians who was effected by the horrific events of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that left 35 people dead. Aged 17 at the time, Tom Holloway was moved to write a play. Based on in-depth interviews and years of research, the play celebrates the power of community and recovery. Titled ‘Beyond the Neck’, this play was a big winner in London and is now coming back to Tasmania. Daniel spoke to Tom about the play, how it came together and what effect it has had on his life and others.
Click here to listen to the interview with Fiona Hoskin(3.8Mb)
Fiona Hoskin
Why would a Launceston chef take up marathon running to save the Tasmanian Devil from extinction? Daniel found out when he spoke to Fiona Hoskin about her goal to run in next years London Marathon as a way of highlighting the plight of the Tassie Devil and to raise money for much-needed research into finding a cure for this deadly cancer that is threatening the species. A fascinating story about a very committed lady.
Click here to listen to the interview with Amanda Tuohy(3.7Mb)
Amanda Tuohy
Daniel spoke to award-winning wildlife artist, Amanda Tuohy whose artistic works are displayed in galleries and private collections around Australia and overseas. Not only is she an artist but also a poet, classical dancer, and singer. Daniel also spoke to Amanda about her work and asked where her love and passion for creativity came from.
September 2nd 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Dr Bruce Robinson(6.5Mb)
Dr Bruce Robinson
Dr Bruce Robinson is the head of a large successful cancer research team. He has worked and studied all over the world, publishing over 150 scientific papers and winning several prestigious awards. He is the father of 3 and has also lectured on work and family life for many years. He is the author of the book “Fathering From the Fast Lane”, and has recently produced and distributed to schools in WA a DVD focusing on what kids really need from their dads. Daniel spoke to Dr Bruce Robinson about his book and some practical ways that fathers can connect with their kids while in the midst of a busy lifestyle.
Click here to listen to the interview with Kyle Odewahn(3.1Mb)
Kyle Odewahn
Each year, the Victorian YMCA choose a special dad to be the YMCA Victorian Father of the Year. For 2007, Kyle Odewahn received that honour. Daniel spoke to Kyle about why he was chosen for the award and what it means for him to be a surrogate father.
Click here to listen to the interview with Warwick Marsh(5.7Mb)
Warwick Marsh
Daniel spoke to Warwick Marsh, father of 5, public speaker, writer, musician, minister, producer and TV director. He is the President of the Fatherhood Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports the role of fathers in our community by providing resources, television community service announcers and on-line material support.
August 26th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Wendy Hunsacker(4.6Mb)
Wendy Hunsacker
Wendy Hunsacker, whose ideas on hospitality ans parties have received media attention in the US, as well as the UK and now also in Australia. She has international clients including Fortune 100 companies and business executives. She spoke to Daniel Townsend about how to be a good host, what it means to engage your 5 senses and a whole lot more.
Click here to listen to the interview with Anne Brunell(4.6Mb)
Anne Brunell
Her achievements include 4 world records, silver gold and bronze medals in two Paralympic games as well as an Order of Australia award. She was also recently inducted into the Victorian Honour Role of Women. Daniel Townsend spoke to Anne Brunell, who wears artificial legs and gets around on a skate-board, and talks to school children about the challenges of life and how to get through them.
Click here to listen to the interview with Peter Brocklehurst(4.6Mb)
Peter Brocklehurst
He was one of 8 children, he left school at 14, became a rock'n'roll singer, then a cobbler. He took singing lessons at the age of 40 and soon found incredible success as a tenor, singing with some of the best in the business. He is also an author and is one of Australia's most sought after performers. His life has had its ups and downs and Daniel Townsend spoke to the singing cobbler Peter Brocklehurst, whose story has now come to life on stage, in a production called “Brave Men Run in our Family”.
August 19th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Brendon Walmsley(4.6Mb)
Brendon Walmsley
He is one of Australia's finest country music singer/songwriters. He's a mult Golden Guitar winner and he's also a story-teller whose lyrics have inspired people. Daniel caught up with Brendon about his music, his passions and what motivates his lyrics.
Click here to listen to the interview with Dr Peter Hewitt(4.3Mb)
Dr Peter Hewitt
He is a surgeon in Tasmania who has a dream. He wants to raise awareness of the plight of povery-stricken Africans, especially those seeking aid in Southern Tanzania. A “Care for Africa” Foundation has been established, and groups of teenage school children are expected to visit Africa early next year. Daniel spoke to Peter about the motivation behind this humanitarian project and his goals for the future.
Click here to listen to the interview with Phil Andrews(4.3Mb)
Phil Andrews
He's been heard on radio station Triple J, he's a stand-up comedian and he has a unique outlook on life. He's performed with comedy greats such as Tom Gleeson and Jimeoin, but his humour is different – it's clean. Daniel spoke to comic Phil Andrews about his type of humour and what makes things funny.
August 12th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Emily Smart(1.3Mb)
Emily Smart
Born in Adelaide, Emily Smart is a musician, singer and has been songwriting since she was thirteen years old. She plays a variety of instruments including guitar, bass, keys and percussion. Emily signed her first record contract at the age of sixteen and she has just released her debut solo EP called “The Escape Plan”. Mal spoke to her about her style of music, her passion for drama and the things that inspire her. A special lady with a bright future.
Click here to listen to the interview with Leanne Preston (6.7Mb)
Leanne Preston
Not many people can claim that a case of head lice could change their world for the better, but for Leanne Preston, an unemployed mum on a single mother’s pension it would be the turning point of her life. Mixing batches of chemical free natural alternatives to find a natural remedy for head lice, Leanne came up with a treatment that soon developed into a global business. Mal spoke with Leanne Preston about the “Wild Child” company as outlined in her new book. Mal also spoke to her about its beginnings and where to for the future. An inspirational story.
July 29th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Peter Fitzsimons (3.7Mb)
Peter Fitzsimons
He is one of Australia's best loved authors. He has written 17 best selling titles including biographies on Kim Beasley, Steve Waugh, Nick Farr-Jones, Nancy Wake and others. As a Wallaby, he has represented Australia in seven rugby test matches, and as a journalist has interviewed the likes of George Bush Snr, Mother Theresa, Bob Hawke and Shane Gould to name a few. Mal spoke to Peter about his book - “The Ballad of Les Darcey”, a biography on the legendary Aussie boxer. Peter also spoke about “Book Alive 2007” in which he is an ambassador.
Click here to listen to the interview with Dr Greg Murray (4.4Mb)
Dr Greg Murray
If you thought it was harder to get out of bed on cold mornings, then you are right. It seems our bodies crave more sleep during the winter than in summer. Mal spoke to clinical psychologist Dr Greg Murray about the “winter blues” and how we can combat them to lift our spirits.
Click here to listen to the interview with Rev Alan Nichols (6.4Mb)
Rev Alan Nichols
In January 2006, 43 refugees secretly left the shores of West Papua in a traditional 10 meter canoe. Their bid for freedom and safety took them across the stormy Torres Strait to Australia. It took them 4 days of avoiding detection by the Indonesian police and naval forces to arrive on the beach of Weipa, Queensland. Mal spoke to Rev Alan Nichols, the author of “Escape from West Papua” about this miraculous journey and what took place in their search for asylum in Australia.
July 22nd 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Helen Townsend (4.5Mb)
Helen Townsend
William Irwin was an Irish farm boy who migrated to Australia during the Irish potato famine. He set himself up in the gold rush town of Ballarat which was one of the wealthiest 19th century cities in the world. It was there that he witnessed and participated in the Eureka Stockade a landmark event that shaped colonial history. Mal talked with William Irwin’s great grand daughter Helen Townsend whose research has discovered much about her family history, the impact of migration into Australia as well as the roots of one of the first truly modern cities – Ballarat.
Click here to listen to the interview with Captain David Shrimpton (4.1Mb)
Captain David Shrimpton
For over 60 years the Salvation Army “Flying Padre” has been a much needed service to the many isolated properties in the drought ridden outback throughout the top end of Australia. Mal talked with Captain David Shrimpton who clocks up around 300 hours per year visiting properties and supporting people in an area of 1.25 million square miles, about his passion for the outback and his role to the people in the area and how they are coping in the drought.
Click here to listen to the interview with Bill Jennings (4.8Mb)
Bill Jennings
Adolescent education expert Bill Jennings research believes that boys would behave better if fathers played a more active role in their son’s lives. Creator of the program “Being a man…Becoming a man” Bill Jennings is committed to working with fathers and sons to combat the growing epidemic known as ‘fatherlessness’ where dads are increasingly absent either physically or emotionally from their kids lives. Mal talked with Bill about this epidemic and practical ways in which fathers and communities can support one another to make a difference.
July 15th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Rick Swinard (2.9Mb)
Rick Swinard
Every day ordinary Australian do extraordinary things in their communities. They are our unsung heroes whose contribution to a better way of life are not widely known or recognised by the general public. These remarkable Australians inspire us to help make Australia a better place to live. Mal talked with Rick Swinard the Corporate Affairs Manager with the Melbourne Herald Sun about the “2007 Pride of Australia Media”. Rick shared some of their stories and let us know how we can nominate an unsung hero.
July 8th 2007
Click here to listen to the interview with Paul Cleary (5.7Mb)
Paul Cleary
In the year 2000 one of the poorest nations on earth East Timor began negotiations with Australia over rights to the lucrative oil and gas resources of the Timor Sea. The revenue from the oil and gas fields would give East Timor a chance to secure its economic future, that is if Australia would allow it. Mal talked with Paul Cleary author of “Shakedown – Australia’s Grab for Timor Oil” and discovered the inside story of how Australia attempted to bully East Timor out of a one hundred billion dollar future.
Click here to listen to the interview with Duncan Armstrong (3.5Mb)
Duncan Armstrong
He was raided in Rockhampton and rose to national and international fame at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he broke the world record to win the Gold medal in the 200 metres freestyle. His involvement in media and commentating has taken him to several Olympics with the Australian Swimming team. His name is Duncan Armstrong, and Mal talked with him about his career, whats important to him and his philosophy on success.