mhm.

Carmen and I wanted to kick off the year with one of the best. If you have been listening to the podcast for a while or if this is your first time, we love speaking to producers of radio programs. When you get a chance to speak to the Executive Producer of Australia’s leading talkback station you know it is going to be special. There is even going to be a movement that will drive from this asking the question “Why isn’t Ross Stevenson in the ACRA Radio Hall of Fame?” We are going to start the movement #Ross4HallofFame.

Mark Davidson is the Executive Producer of 3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft, and he has the pedigree of a media elite. “Scorcher” is his nickname and while Mark wished he had a better story around the origin of the nickname he has been with the station in some form more than others. What is very humbling during this chat with this producer while he sits at the top of the radio game he is continuing to seek and search for greater success. It would be easy to sit on the top and look down but the team that Mark works with are continuing to find new opportunities.

A photographer, a producer, a storyteller, and one of the great gatekeepers to an incredibly special program there is so much to learn. There is no denying that we did spend more time discussing Ross Stevenson, but we certainly get an understanding of the program that they are a team. Do not talk politics, do not talk religion, and try to make it a happy place is the model that have made this program a success. The “Rumour File” at 7.05am is still the most listened to 15 minutes of radio in this country and it is not just what Victorians are listening to but so many more across the country.

Curiosity is the key behind the success Ross Stevenson and his longevity according to Mark. What is new in the world of the young people that put this program together? They are his inspiration. There is no doubt the on-air chemistry between Ross and Russel has worked for this duo. Mark has been at the station with three different owners, and it is Nine that just lets them get on with the show. A very smart move from Nine as you certainly do not try fix something that is certainly not broke.

Mark Davidson

Dark 6lack Type Beat - Talkback

This is a deep dive in to the author's thoughts and perspective while writing chapter 1.

Notes From The Author - Chapter 1

Ben Fordham, 2GB Breakfast host

Nic speaks with one of the most powerful voices in Australian media - 2GB Breakfast Show host Ben Fordham. Ben has been at the helm of Sydney’s 2GB Breakfast Show since mid 2020, taking over the mic from veteran broadcaster Alan Jones. Ben first started his radio career at 2UE, and in 1997 won his first Walkley Award. He’s been with the Nine Network since 1999 and has worked on a range of programs including 60 Minutes and Today Show, before returning to his first media love – radio. He was at the helm of 2GB’s Drive Show for a decade before he became Breakfast host and he and his team now set the nation’s news agenda.

In this chat, Nic discovers:

The text exchange with Anthony Albanese that had Ben breaking one of the biggest political stories of 2024.
What drives Ben to break news – it’s the “I know something that you don’t” element.
Why differing opinions matter in the voice of middle Australia.
How Ben finds his best producers.
Why he initially didn’t want to do the breakfast show… “The coward in me said no”.
And what Ben’s go-to karaoke song is.

The energy and enthusiasm that you get from this chat with Ben is infectious and the cameo role from a former producer is a laugh out loud moment. There are a lot of takeaways from this for both media and experts.

Thanks for listening to The Experts Podcast.

Ben Fordham

James Szabo, Executive Producer, 3AW Drive with Jacqui Felgate

Jimmy Szabo has many strings to his bow. Most prominently he is the Executive Producer of Melbourne’s 3AW Drive program, moving over from mornings in December 2024. But Jimmy also emcees weddings, appears on various radio segments across Victoria and produces some of the best comedy coming out of social media about the quirks of Italian and migrant families – he’s made his 97 year old Nonna a star of TikTok.

Nic speaks with Jimmy this week and finds out:
How social media is an essential element of 3AW Drive and why strategy and a behind the scenes team is integral to success with socials
What will change in his production of Drive compares to Mornings
What percentage of Jimmy’s pitches as a producer get to air
The importance of light and shade in a radio program… “It can’t always be serious.”
And the quote from The Godfather that Jimmy Szabo lives by

The Experts Podcast is hosted by media professional and commentator, Nic Hayes. The Experts Podcast pulls back the curtain on media and helps you to get a better understanding of how media works. We speak to the country’s leading journalists, hosts, anchors and producers, who are setting the national news agenda as well as some of the most prominent experts who appear in media around the country. 

The Experts Podcast, powered by Media Stable.

James Szabo

Tony Mac, Overnights presenter at 3AW and across the 9 Radio

Join Nic for a discussion with Tony Mac who has an infectious love and respect for the power of open line, talk back, live radio. Tony’s Overnights program is now broadcast across four markets, out of 3AW Melbourne and every night he does 5.5 hours of live radio. In this discussion with Nic, Tony shares the highs and lows of his career spanning 25 years at Perth’s 6PR and now 3AW. If you don’t already love radio production and the classic stories behind how it’s done, you will after this chat.

Find out:

What makes companion radio – the 2-5am time slot – really great, including one of the most poignant calls in Tony’s first 12 months in the overnights chair
Tony Mac’s biggest bugbear on radio – learn the old school rule for talent and presenter: only ever be address one listener, not a group of listeners
The challenge of broadcasting live overnights to multiple markets and how to engage listeners from across Australia
How Tony manages the inevitable brain fog after three hours of live radio in the middle of the night
And what still exasperates Tony when it comes to misinformation.

The Experts Podcast is hosted by media professional and commentator, Nic Hayes. The Experts Podcast pulls back the curtain on media and helps you to get a better understanding of how media works. We speak to the country’s leading journalists, hosts, anchors and producers, who are setting the national news agenda as well as some of the most prominent experts who appear in media around the country. The Experts Podcast, powered by Media Stable.

Tony Mac

Fuck Hate

Join host AJ Kincaid (They/Them) and guests Aeric Azana (He/Him), Michaela Ivey (They/Them), Jesse Pickering (He/Him) and Jacob Brown (He/Him) as they take a look back at "Myth of Elyzia- The Prolog Experiment Part 1".

The StoryCrash Podcast / Making Myths Episode 1 / "The Prolog Experiment Part 1"

Gemini season demanded a mirror. So I brought in mine: Meet Elise Brando, my best friend of 15 years and a walking masterclass in Gemini genius. In this episode, we didn’t just talk about astrology. We became it.

This episode of Club Cosmic is a living, breathing expression of the zodiac’s most curious sign, brought to life by my best friend and ultimate Gemini muse, Elise Brando.

We didn’t sit down to teach astrology. We just were.
This episode is packed with hilarious quick-witted conversations, unplanned synchronicities, and one pop culture story so perfectly Gemini it felt scripted by the stars.

The soundtrack? Full of Gemini artists — iconic, versatile, genius in motion.

This episode is a love letter to friendship, transformation and the twin energy that keeps life so deeply interesting.

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CLUB COSMIC VOL 3 GEMINI TRACKLIST:

Princess Nokia – Gemini
Kaytranada ft. H.E.R – Intimidated
2Pac – Do for Love
Sugababes - Round Round
Paris Hilton – I Want You
Kylie Minogue – Did It Again
The Notorious B.I.G. – Machine Gun Funk
Prince – Kiss
Weyes Blood – Twin Flame
Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe
Sister Sledge – Thinking of You (Dimitri from Paris Remix)

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CONNECT WITH RUTH FROM ASTRO DÉJÀVU:

Book a session:
www.astrodejavu.com

Follow on Instagram:
@astro_dejavu

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Produced by @slyapartment

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Connect with Gloria - www.gloriaskye.com

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Club Cosmic [03] GEMINI SEASON 2025

Something In the Eye (test)

Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Estate Litigation Senior Associate Duncan MacDougall joined guest host Dean Miller to set the record straight on one of the most misunderstood areas of Succession Law — contesting Wills.

Duncan and Dean discussed common myths that often mislead families, including the belief that:

Leaving someone a token gift (like $1) in your Will will stop them from contesting it — it won’t.

DIY or handwritten Wills are just as effective as those prepared by a lawyer — they’re often contested due to improper execution or lack of legal advice.

A “no contest” clause can prevent disputes — it won’t hold up if the person is eligible to make a claim.

They also explored how financial need, family relationships, and estate size will influence whether a claim will succeed, especially as modern families become more complex with stepchildren, estrangement, and informal promises about inheritances.

Duncan explained the role of executors, why conflicts of interest can arise when executors are also beneficiaries, and how mediation is often used to resolve disputes before they reach court.

He also gave insight into why Wills prepared by the Public Trustee may lead to complications down the track.

The key takeaway? Open communication, proper legal advice, and regular Will reviews are crucial to minimise disputes and ensure your wishes are carried out.

4th June - Duncan MacDougall

In this episode of Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown on 4BC with Sofie Formica, Estate Litigation Senior Associate Duncan McDougall delves into the complexities of estate planning for blended families, a growing reality for many Australians.
From second marriages and de facto relationships to stepchildren and dependents, modern family dynamics can create legal complications if estate planning isn’t handled with care. 
Duncan explains why a “simple Will” often won’t provide adequate protection for individuals in a blended family, especially when there are competing interests or assumptions that “everything will work out.”
Duncan and Sofie covered key topics such as:
•	Why stepchildren and de facto partners may have a legal right to contest a Will,
•	The benefits of testamentary trusts and mutual Wills to reduce the risk of disputes in blended families,
•	Common misconceptions about Wills being “final”, and why eligible people can still challenge them, and
•	The statutory time limits for bringing a claim against an estate in Queensland.
Duncan also answers real listener questions about bloodline trusts, the role of statutory declarations in supporting the wishes outlined in a Will, and legal strategies that can help ensure intentions are upheld after you’re gone. 
Offering practical advice for anyone in a blended family, Duncan encourages people to seek tailored legal guidance and revisit their estate plans as their relationships and circumstances evolve. 
Whether you're trying to protect your children’s inheritance or minimise the risk of disputes, this episode is a timely reminder that estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. 


11th June - Duncan MacDougall

In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB, Attwood Marshall Lawyers Senior Associate and Accredited Aged Care Professional Larisa Kapur joins host Robyn Hyland to talk about the complexities of aged care agreements, which are considered one of the most important legal documents older Australians (and their families) will encounter when entering residential care.

Aged care agreements are legally binding contracts that outline the services provided, the associated fees, and the rights and obligations of both the provider and the resident.

Larisa explains that while families are often under pressure to sign quickly when a placement at a facility becomes available, rushing into these agreements without understanding the fine print can result in serious long-term financial and legal consequences.

Larisa discusses some of the different types of fees involved, such as the RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit), DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment), and how these fees may be affected under the proposed changes to the new Aged Care Act. This includes the introduction of a RAD retention rate, meaning RADs may no longer be fully refundable, and the implementation of a regulated “hotel services supplement” to cover everyday services such as meals, cleaning, and laundry.

Larisa also sheds light on some of the clauses in aged care agreements that often catch residents and their families off guard, like the guarantor clause. She explains how signing on as a guarantor can unexpectedly leave adult children responsible for paying their parents’ aged care fees and shares a real-life case that drives home how easily this can happen.

The discussion also touches on how aged care agreements tie in with estate planning. Larisa stresses the importance of ensuring your Enduring Power of Attorney documents are current and correctly prepared and explains how obtaining the right legal and financial advice upfront can help protect your loved one’s assets and avoid unnecessary conflict down the track.

The key takeaway from this episode is to take the time to seek professional advice before signing any documents. Aged care decisions are not just about health; they are significant legal and financial commitments.

Law Talks - Larisa Kapur - Aged Care Agreements

When it comes to estate planning, most people assume it’s as simple as writing a Will, but there’s a lot more to it.

In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB, Wills and Estates Senior Associate Xara Coassin joins Robyn Hyland to walk listeners through the key things people often don’t realise they need to consider before completing an estate plan.

From understanding how your assets are owned, such as jointly held property, superannuation, and trust assets, to appointing the right people as executors, guardians, or attorneys, Xara outlines the practical decisions that make up a complete and effective estate plan.

She also shares what to bring to your first appointment with an estate planning lawyer, how different life events can impact your plan, and why DIY Wills and online Wills often lead to costly mistakes for loved left behind after you pass away.

Whether you're doing your estate plan for the first time or reviewing your Will after a significant life change, this episode offers valuable insights to help you prepare properly and avoid common pitfalls.

Law Talks - Xara Coassin - What To Consider Before Making A Will

talk back (birdbusiness)

Family dynamics aren’t always straightforward, and sadly, many people experience fractured or estranged relationships with loved ones. When it comes time to make a Will, these strained ties often raise one of the most difficult and controversial questions in estate planning: can you legally leave someone out of your Will?
In this week’s episode of Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Estate Litigation Senior Associate, Duncan MacDougall, joins host Sofie Formica to discuss the legal realities of disinheriting an estranged family member – often referred to as the black sheep of the family.
Duncan explains:
•	Whether a parent can exclude an adult child (or another family member) from inheriting from their estate.
•	How Queensland courts deal with Family Provision Claims brought by estranged children.
•	Whether a history of poor behaviour, abuse, or violence can affect a person’s right to contest a Will.
•	The practical steps someone can take to minimise the risk of a challenge if they genuinely wish to disinherit a family member.
•	Why seeking legal advice is essential for anyone worried about their estate being contested.
While it is possible to disinherit someone, the courts ultimately have the power to step in and determine whether proper provision has been made for certain family members.
Whether you’re an executor acting on behalf of an estate, a parent considering your estate plan, or someone concerned about being excluded from receiving an inheritance, this discussion offers valuable insight into how the law addresses these complex and emotionally charged situations.


24th Sep 2025 - Duncan MacDougall - Estrangement and family provision claims

This is my pen name for the Dickman Trilogy. It has always been my dream to write and my nephew has helped me set up this platform to read my new book to you all! Paper copy available on amazon soon! xx

CROSSROAD BEATS, is a type beat channel created in order to inspire artists to explore and express their emotions & deepest thoughts. Beats & instrumentals carefully tailored to suit needs of independent artists & modern standards.

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This podcast hosted by media professional Nic Hayes is all about getting the education and motivation to work with media. Understanding the drivers, the tips, the very skills required to make it in the media makes this a must listen podcast for all communicators and business owners.

Need a good lawyer?
We are here to help you. 
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Phone 1800 621 071 today.
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New tracks tagged #talkback