Every Wednesday Max Lavergne comes in with Winners And Losers of the week. A recurring winner is Benedict Cumberbatch, a name Max sometimes struggles with. Here are his best attempts.

Max Lavergne's Benedict Cumberbatch medley

A couple of weeks ago, Eurythmics were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame. And perfectly timed, Who's That Girl, Eurythmics & Annie Lennox Tribute Show are playing Centro CBD in Wollongong this week.

Lindsay McDougall went to see Clodagh Reid and Nick Meredith and was treated to three live songs, as well as stories of both Clodagh and Nick AND Annie and Dave's past, as well as the history of Eurythmics, who actually started here in Australia.

Who's That Girl bring Eurythmics to Wollongong

Have you heard of Synthony? Some of the biggest dance and techno songs from the 90s to the last couple of decades, thousands of people dancing & singing along; there's Djs on stage, singers, rappers, and an orchestra!

Yes, an orchestra turning these synthesized dance songs into a symphony, or Synthony!

It's been all over australia and nz and is Coming to Wollongong, and the person at the helm of the orchestra, chief conductor of the metropolitan orchestra, Sarah-Grace Williamson spoke to ABC Illawarra about the concert, her own classical/electro past, and the magic of dancing.

Synthony brings its techno-orchestra to Wollongong

Dance Mode, engaged! the second Bluey album is out now, and two of the main music minds of the Bluey world, Joff Bush and Jazz D'arcy, joined Lindsay McDougall to talk about writing the music, the tight timeframe for every episode, and the beautiful atmosphere of the Rain episode and the song that came from it.

Also it was the first interview Jazz and Joff had ever done together, and it gets a little weird.

Dance Mode! Jazz D'Arcy and Joff Bush talk the music of Bluey

triple j music news is running a story today about how Alexander Ebert and his band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, fired Jade, Alexander's songwriting partner, on stage musical partner, and one-time life partner. 

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/musicnews/s4018771.htm

Now there's lots of sides to this story but luckily we've got one of them here, for you, in song form.

With thanks to Linda "Jade" Marigliano for the accent work, And the Magnetic Zeros for the tune.

Home: The "real" story behind Jade getting fired from the Magnetic Zeros.

I played Ecca Vandal's awesome song "White Flag". Jess called up and told me all about them. And then all about Hilltop Hoods before they were Hilltop Hoods. It was nice.

Jess tells us all about Ecca Vandal and stuff

Gracie Otto talks about directing the new ABC TV series Ladies In Black with it's excellent cast. As well as Heartbreak High and Deadloch, working with her sister Miranda, making a movie about her Dad Barry, and freezing Mark Knopfler (in interview form). Also mentions of the Gypsy Kings, and escaping to St Barts to hang with the Zimmermanns.

Gracie Otto talks Ladies In Black, Miranda, Barry, and Mark Knopfler

While I had Satchel on the phone, I had to ask him about one of my favourite Steel Panther songs. Not a massive metal anthem, or a dirty glam rock beast, but rather the beautiful ballad from Balls Out, Weenie Ride.

Satchel from Steel Panther takes Soundwave on a Weenie Ride

He started on recorder, moved to flute, and then punk rock led David Rodriguez to guitar. Somehow he discovered Jazz, and the expansive version of jazz he plays. And now he's bestowing that love of music on a new generation of musicians, as Jazz Program Lead at the Wollongong Conservatorium Of Music. Or as he says, Jazz Bossy Boss.

David invited ABC Illawarra to turn up at one of the classes, to talk about his musical career, meet teacher Chris Fields AND a stack of the students, learning music but more importantly learning to love playing music.

David Rodiguez: WollCon Jazz Bossy Boss

You've seen him on TV, jamming with Keith Urban maybe? Or are you one of 102 THOUSAND followers on instagram?

Hazz is 10 years old and is an absolute shredder. I invited myself over to Harry's house to have a chat and play some guitar.

Shredding with Hazz!

The Lake Alexandra Turtle Tour has been going since 2022, with signs pointing out where the wild turtles are basking, swimming, and more importantly, nesting. And this isn't just for your benefit; the citizen science of the turtles there is gathering some important data. 

Ass/Prof Ricky Spencer from 1 Milion Turtles calls in from Simon Marnie Island (yes really) to talk Turtle.

Ricky Spencer talks Turtles

Rob Younger was making punk before it was even called that. Even if he didn't call it that. After Radio Birdman took a break he started The New Christs, first to put out a record, and reforming to play shows with Iggy Pop. 40 years later the New Christs are still playing, though all members bar Rob have changed. 

Rob Younger joined Lindsay McDougall on ABC Illawarra to talk about the band, his thoughts on being called "punk", and some musings on making records in 2024.

Rob Younger talks New Christs, Birdman and more!

Richard Kingmill's back! In podcast form!

Where were you when you first heard or saw You Am I?

You Am I's life-changing second album Hi Fi Way came out 30 years ago, and cemented the band, and singer/songwriter Tim Rogers into the Australian music pantheon, or something like that. 

Three decades on, the three (at that time) members of You Am I, as well as friends, family, crew and more chat to Richard about the time, the making of the record, and the making of the band. 

And Richard chatted to Lindsay McDougall about all of that.

Richard Kingsmill takes us down You Am I's Hi Fi Way

Champion Basketballer, runner, prize-winning baker, singer maybe? Definitely an achiever, and Fraser King was diagnosed with autism 25 years ago. He joined me on ABC Illawarra on Autism Awareness Understanding Day to talk about what he's been up to, shooting hoops in the Special Olympics, and his impending music career...

Fraser King for Autism Awareness Day

Firestone was one of the big songs that helped launch Conrad Sewell's career, but it happened as he was couch surfing and trying to find his feet in a strange industry. Conrad talks about the 10th anniversary shows and some memories from back then. As well as his very different life now.

Conrad Sewell talks Firestone and more on ABC Illawarra

James Baker RIP, with words from Tex Perkins and Kim Salmon

The Audreys have put out their first album in a decade. But in that ten years, the love vs hate, marriage vs divorce, life vs death, even Beatles vs Stones, has all led up to Ruin and Repair. 

The Audreys are playing the Heritage Hotel Bulli on Sunday and Taasha Coates joined Lindsay McDougall to talk about the record, the life experiences, and of course The Beatles vs The Stones.

Ruin and Repair with The Audreys

Do you get frustrated when you're stuck behind a slow vehicle on the road? 

Horse floats generally go pretty slow, and it can be easy to spiral into frustration... but it's probably worth remembering how your reaction can affect the safety of the driver and the horses on board. 

A recent post on Facebook from a local horse transporter got a lot of attention from the community. 

Mandy Toovey from Elite Equine Transport joined me on ABC Illawarra

Getting horses to the hospital with Mandy Toovey

The Cruel Sea have just put out a new album, years after their last, and are on the road. 

Still writing and recording almost the same way, even down to the demo tapes (now CDs), Tex Perkins joined Lindsay McDougall on ABC Illawarra to talk about the new music, the old music, making Beasts music with James Baker, and how Dan Rumour puts the guitar slide on the wrong finger, and that's part of the magic.

Cruel Sea, James Baker and Dan Rumour's magic finger with Tex Perkins

How are you at telling stories? Stories from your family, stories from your past. Stoytelling can tell the truth about history in ways that maybe a history lesson or a trip to Wikipedia can't. And hearing those stories, from different times and different cultures, can be a passport to another world.

Lilli Rodriguez-Pang was born to a Pipil Indian mother and a Portuguese father and bred right here in Australia, and realised that unlike other countries there wasn't a dedicated multilingual storytelling festival here. So decided to make one and have it right here in Wollongong!

It's happening this Friday and Saturday at Wollongong Town Hall and Lilli Rodriguez-Pang joined LIndsay McDougall on ABC Illawarra to talk about the science behind storytelling, and tell a story of her own.

Telling stories in Wollongong from all over the world.

Are you a cat person? Or are you someone who gets really upset about the damage cats do to our native wildlife? 390 million animals a year apparently, if they're allowed out.

If you love cats BUT don't want them killing wildlife - what do you do? Keep them inside? Get a leash? Is there another option??? Have you considered a CATIO?

Scot and Marianne are from Salty Whiskers Catios and joined me in my enclosure on ABC Illawarra.


Keeping your cats happy and the other animals safe in a CATIO

We're going back to Mystery Bay! Stella Heikkenen and her witness-protected mates are back for Bay Of Fires season 2, and creator and star Marta Dusseldorp joined me on ABC Illawarra to take us on a tour of Western Lutruwita with a mixed bag of malcontents, messiahs and missing persons.

Sitting with the Dorp in the Bay

Girls Rock! Wollongong presents…You Rock! is a music program aimed to empower girls and gender diverse young people. The program will run from Tuesday 8th July to Friday 11th July at Wollongong Town Hall and is open to girls (cis and trans), trans boys, nonbinary, and intersex young people aged 12-17.

Back in the 90s, School Of Rock in Melbourne pioneered music program for women, it inspired a global movement, and now it's coming to Wollongong! The mission of the You Rock! program is to empower girls and gender diverse young people using the tools of music education to foster self-esteem and confidence. And make cool tunes.

Jayne and Jacqui from YouRock came into ABC Illawarra to tell us all about it.



YOUROCK! Comes to Wollongong

Port Kembla author Lucy Nelson has released her first book. A dazzling collection of hilarious and heart-wrenching stories united by a groundbreaking theme: each is a sidelong glance at the lives of women who – either by choice or by circumstance – will never be mothers and who feel every way it is possible to feel about it.

Lucy is launching the book at Ryan’s in Thirroul on Wednesday, and dropped into ABC Illawarra to chat about.

Wait Here with Lucy Nelson

I had such a packed week of legends on ABC Illawarra Drive for NAIDOC Week.

The theme for this year, the 50th year of NAIDOC, is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, and all of my guests had stuff to say about that, from mentoring kids to promoting healthy and active futures, paying tribute to past generations and getting the next on the right tracks (sometimes literally onto tracks. And music videos). 

Here they all are!

From cooking with Blak Cede in Nowra and Mark “Black” Olive at Uluṟu, health with the We Breathe people, sport with the Nations Of Origin Dharawal mob from Lake Illawarra PCYC, and legends Narelda Jacobs and JP Janke talking about NITV, the NAIDOC Awards and icons of Indigenous action. 

I had the Mayor of Nowra, Nooky talking about the new 3% song written with a bunch of local kids, making a Stuff The British Got Stolen Back film, and introducing The Kid Laroi’s crew to Clem’s Chicken.  

And more music from Ron Callahan, Mudjingaal Yangamba, Michelle McBride, and Lemonise all at Ngulla NAIDOC Fest (with Georgie Lowe and Doctor of Circus Sharon McCutcheon), and Yuin artist Kyarna talking about the importance of storytelling and playing a beautiful new song live that made her mum cry. 

And all kicking off last Friday with the very funny and a little unhinged Isaac Compton, who I got on to talk about That Blackfella Show, but then he handed the phone over to another legend of Indigenous TV and film, and things went even more off the rails…

Enjoy. 

HAPPY NAIDOC WEEK!

NAIDOC 2025 on ABC Illawarra Drive

Louie Shelton was the guitarist on some of the biggest hits to come out of America, but you may not recognise him walking down the street. He’s played guitars for The Monkees, Boz Scaggs, Barba Streisand, Marvin Gaye and so many more. He dropped into ABC Illawarra on the anniversary of I Want You Back by the Jackson 5 hitting number 1 on the charts to talk about all the amazing songs he's worked on.

Louie Shelton talks to ABC Illawarra about playing guitar for the Jackson 5, The Monkees and more

AJ Ghent, a Sacred Steel guitar player, comes from a line of Sacred Steel guitar players. What is Sacred Steel guitar? Well, AJ Ghent was playing in Wollongong and so came in to ABC Illawarra with his wife Marla and told us, and then played some!

AJ Ghent at ABC Illawarra

At the start of their Australian tour, Oli and Louis from Lime Cordiale crammed their whole band into a tiny ABC Canberra studio and had a chat to us about growing up together, making music with their film producer Dad, and of course their new tunes, before playing their new single Dirt Cheap live in that tiny ABC Canberra studio.

Lime Cordiale live on ABC Illawarra

Back in Seattle, in 1991, when Grunge was changing the shape of music forever, Chris Cuffaro was right there, taking photographs. And now he's right here, 28 years later, on my radio show talking about an exhibition of all those photos up in Sydney, and all the amazing memories and stories that go with them.

The Greatest Hits: Grunge with photographer Chris Cuffaro

George Bishop was born in Nowra and has travelled around australia, living in Canberra, Nhulunbuy and Broome among other places. He's back in town and dropped into the studio before his show at Society City on Crown Street Wollongong, for a chat, to tell some stories of his travels, and to play a song he hasn't even given a name to yet.

George Bishop Live on ABC Illawarra

Internationally renowned as one, if not The Best Elvis Tribute in the world today, Ben Portsmouth is playing at Anita's Theatre in Thirroul next friday night. 

He's the Elvis Tribute Artist that had David Letterman exclaiming "Oh my God", when he appeared on the Tonight Show.

He dropped in to ABC Illawarra to have a chat about The King, and to rope Lindsay into an impromptu Elvis song.

Ben Portsmouth is Elvis Presley

The new Featherweight Champion of the UFC World, Alexander Volkanovsky, is back in the Illawarra. The Winner from Windang dropped into his training gym to chat to the media, and spoke to Lindsay McDougall about his successful bout against Max Holloway, what they were saying to each other in the ring, and the sorts of music he listens to when getting ready, and his plans for what he's going to eat over Christmas.

Alexander Volkanovsky on ABC Illawarra

Kiama local Frank Sultana has a new single, and a stack of shows to debut it, including this weekend's free and all-ages Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival. 

Frank joined Lindsay McDougall to premiere the song on air, chat about the stories behind it, and then to play another song live.

Frank Sultana LIVE on ABC Illawarra

Rebecca Bonito - from Robbo to Raleigh

I play in that Frenzal Rhomb band your Dad used to hate. I used to be that guy on triple j. And now I get to ask awkward and awesome questions to people and put the results up here!

Lindsay McDougall

Popular tracks