Places & Travel Archives - JOY Drive

Samuel Cornell: Why We Pretend Holidays Were Great

latham.smith — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 05:26:20 +0000

Coming home from a trip and admitting it was disappointing can feel strangely shameful. Public health researcher Samuel Cornell explains why holidays come with pressure to be “worth it”, how cost and hype shape our self-judgment, and how social media turns travel into a performance.

Guest: Samuel Cornell, Public Health Researcher and PhD Candidate, UNSW Sydney

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Samuel Cornell: Why We Pretend Holidays Were Great appeared first on JOY Drive.

David Greco: Peninsula Summer Music Festival

latham.smith — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:10:13 +0000

The Peninsula Summer Music Festival returns in January 2026, bringing live music to wineries, civic halls and open-air venues across the Mornington Peninsula. ARIA-nominated baritone David Greco joins us to reflect on the festival and his intimate recital with Chad Kelly at Moorooduc Estate.

Guest: David Greco, ARIA-nominated Baritone

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post David Greco: Peninsula Summer Music Festival appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher: Epic Bike Rides and the Cycling Boom

latham.smith — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:32:16 +0000

Cycling holidays are on the rise, from family-friendly e-bike trips to bucket-list adventures like Western Australia’s Munda Biddi Trail and Tuscany’s rolling hills. Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet explains why pedal-powered travel is booming, where to go in Australia and abroad, and how cycling is transforming tourism for local communities.

Guest: Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Chris Zeiher: Epic Bike Rides and the Cycling Boom appeared first on JOY Drive.

Professor Hussein Dia: Tesla’s ‘Self-Driving’ Cars — Freedom or Fear?

latham.smith — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:59:24 +0000

Tesla is rolling out its self-driving mode in Australia. Is it a glimpse of the future or a dangerous halfway point between human and machine? Hussein Dia explains what the tech can do, where it falls short, and whether Australians are ready to trust it.

Guest: Professor Hussein Dia, Transport Technology and Sustainability, Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Professor Hussein Dia: Tesla’s ‘Self-Driving’ Cars — Freedom or Fear? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Yvette Thompson: Where Aussies Are Travelling This Winter

latham.smith — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 07:22:13 +0000

Forget Bali and the snow—today’s travellers are chasing meaning, connection and conscious adventure. Intrepid Travel’s Yvette Thompson shares the biggest winter travel trends and how group travel is empowering more solo and queer Aussies to explore the world.

Guest: Yvette Thompson, ANZ General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Intrepid Travel

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Yvette Thompson: Where Aussies Are Travelling This Winter appeared first on JOY Drive.

Keiralie Poole: Rain, Gorillas and the Secret Life of Ganyeka

latham.smith — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 01:34:35 +0000

Forget the viral videos—some gorillas love the rain. Keeper Keiralie Poole shares the story of Ganyeka, a cheeky silverback at Werribee Open Range Zoo, who splashes, steals snacks and helps...

LEARN MORE

The post Keiralie Poole: Rain, Gorillas and the Secret Life of Ganyeka appeared first on JOY Drive.

Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught: LEGO® Star Wars™ at Melbourne Museum

latham.smith — Thu, 22 May 2025 06:15:46 +0000

From towering star destroyers to pint-sized droids, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition is a galaxy built one brick at a time. Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught joins JOY Drive to talk creative blocks, iconic scenes, and what it takes to bring the Force to life in LEGO form.

Guest: Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught, LEGO® Certified Professional

Presenter: Latham Smith

The post Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught: LEGO® Star Wars™ at Melbourne Museum appeared first on JOY Drive.

Laura Hickleton: Newborn Lion Cub at Werribee Open Range Zoo

latham.smith — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:35:21 +0000

Werribee Open Range Zoo has just welcomed a brand-new lion cub. And this is not just any cub. He is a history-maker – the first single cub ever born at...

LEARN MORE

The post Laura Hickleton: Newborn Lion Cub at Werribee Open Range Zoo appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher and Pangina Heals – Lonely Planet’s first LGBTQ+ Travel Guide

latham.smith — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:45:40 +0000

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, you know that travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how welcomed and safe you feel when you get there. That’s why Lonely Planet has created its first-ever standalone LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, a book with over 50 queer-friendly destinations worldwide.

But what makes this guide different? It’s written from a community-to-community perspective, featuring voices from LGBTQ+ locals who share their favourite spots beyond the usual tourist traps.

Guests: Chris Zeiher, Senior Director of Trade Sales and Marketing at Lonely Planet, and Pangina Heals drag performer, TV personality, and host of Drag Race Thailand

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Chris Zeiher and Pangina Heals – Lonely Planet’s first LGBTQ+ Travel Guide appeared first on JOY Drive.

Anna Whitelaw: Gaytimes Festival

latham.smith — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:45:47 +0000

If you have ever been to Gaytimes, you know it is more than just a festival. It is a community, a celebration and a truly unique experience that brings together music, arts and camping in a safe and inclusive queer space.

But there is some bittersweet news. Gaytimes has announced that after the 2025 festival, the event will take a break in 2026. The pressures on independent festivals, particularly those led by queer individuals, have become overwhelming.

Guest: Anna Whitelaw, Gaytimes Founder and Director

Warren Andrew

The post Anna Whitelaw: Gaytimes Festival appeared first on JOY Drive.

Yolanda Finch: Nocturnal – Melbourne Museum after Dark

latham.smith — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:15:37 +0000

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark has returned for 2025 with a series of alluring after-hours events that blend art, science, history and culture in a unique adults-only experience. Guest: Yolanda Finch,...

LEARN MORE

The post Yolanda Finch: Nocturnal – Melbourne Museum after Dark appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher: Destination Dupes

latham.smith — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:33:56 +0000

Destination Dupes is a concept or trend where people seek out alternative destinations that closely resemble famous travel hotspots, but are typically less crowded, more affordable, or easier to access. These “dupes” offer similar experiences, landscapes or vibes as their well-known counterparts without the challenges that often come with high-profile tourism.

Guest: Chris Zeiher.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post Chris Zeiher: Destination Dupes appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher: Smooch Stays

latham.smith — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:30:10 +0000

Wanting a romantic getaway? Chris Zeiher has some destination recommendations and tips for cutting costs.

Guest: Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Chris Zeiher: Smooch Stays appeared first on JOY Drive.

What’s on in Melbourne this weekend with Tim Hunter

Warren — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:41:27 +0000

Feel like some culture? Tim Hunter has all the details of what you can get up to this weekend including The African Music and Cultural Festival as well as where...

LEARN MORE

The post What’s on in Melbourne this weekend with Tim Hunter appeared first on JOY Drive.

Regional Roundup with Séamus Haugh

Warren — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 02:21:40 +0000

Find out what’s happening in the regions with Séamus Haugh. In this episode:

Shepparton Gay Pride – a great success!
Soft Launch of the revitalised Bendigo Pride Festival on FB!
Regional local gov elections.
Rob McHaffie’s exhibition “We are family”.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post Regional Roundup with Séamus Haugh appeared first on JOY Drive.

The 40th anniversary of the Great Vic Bike Ride will be the end of an era.

Warren — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:03:34 +0000

The Great Victorian Bike ride is on again. It happens over 7 days from November 23. The Great Vic Bike Ride has provided lifelong memories for more than 200,000 riders, including 60,000 students, and given them the opportunity to ride through and experience the best of regional Victoria.

It’s the 40th anniversary of the ride and unfortunately, it could be the last!

Guest: Alison McCormack is Bicycle Network’s CEO.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post The 40th anniversary of the Great Vic Bike Ride will be the end of an era. appeared first on JOY Drive.

Regional Rainbow Roundup with Seamus Haugh

Warren — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:56:31 +0000

Seamus Haugh talks about what’s happening in regional Victoria. In this episode, we hear about a recent decision by Bendigo Council to reject calls for the establishment of an LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee. We also hear about the recent closure of the Palais Theatre in Hepburn Springs.

Guest: Seamus Haugh

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Regional Rainbow Roundup with Seamus Haugh appeared first on JOY Drive.

Koala Cuddling: Close up encounters inc. Selfies with wildlife may be doing more harm than we realise

Warren — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:33:30 +0000

Celebrities, politicians and tourists have long coveted a selfie with Australia’s cutest and cuddliest animals including the quokka and koala; however, recent research suggests these close-up encounters, especially those with...

LEARN MORE

The post Koala Cuddling: Close up encounters inc. Selfies with wildlife may be doing more harm than we realise appeared first on JOY Drive.

Travelling Solo – How to make it less daunting, more affordable & staying safe while having fun!

Warren — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:52:06 +0000

Solo travel! How to make it less daunting, more affordable & staying safe while having fun!
Solo travelling has been trending for a while, but new research indicates it’s continuing to grow in popularity. Jess Lockhart is the solo travel expert as she has written heaps of columns on the topic.

Guest: Jess Lockhart, Lonely Planet

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Travelling Solo – How to make it less daunting, more affordable & staying safe while having fun! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Open House Melbourne 2024 – Program Unveiled

Warren — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 06:27:09 +0000

Over one weekend in winter (27 + 28 July) audiences are invited to (re)discover their city and explore some of Melbourne’s most fascinating buildings, places and spaces not normally open to the general public.

It’s all part of Open House 2024 and the full program has been unveiled.

Guest: Tania Davidge – Executive Director and Chief Curator of Open House Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Open House Melbourne 2024 – Program Unveiled appeared first on JOY Drive.

The Importance of the Fairfield AIDS Memorial Garden

erielle.sudario — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:30:22 +0000

With Worlds Aids Day upon us, its time to remember a somewhat forgotten status AIDS Memorial Garden received during the fight against this disease.

Guest: John Hall

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post The Importance of the Fairfield AIDS Memorial Garden appeared first on JOY Drive.

The first Atlantis all gay cruise within Australia

erielle.sudario — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:04:36 +0000

Ben Mulcahy talks about the Resilient Lady, the first Atlantis all-gay cruise. Here’s what you need to know about this amazing sea voyage.

Guest: Ben Mulcahy

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post The first Atlantis all gay cruise within Australia appeared first on JOY Drive.

Lauren Rosewarne – AirBnB Chaos

Warren — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 01:16:33 +0000

An airBnB owner has been criticised for displaying too many signs and instructions – almost one on every item and surface. When does it become too much and would you be better just staying in a hotel where you can relax?

Guest: Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne from the University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Lauren Rosewarne – AirBnB Chaos appeared first on JOY Drive.

Set Jetting with Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet

Warren — Wed, 10 May 2023 22:00:11 +0000

We’ve heard of Jet Setting but what is Set Jetting? Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet reveals the top Set Jetting destinations.

The post Set Jetting with Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet appeared first on JOY Drive.

Open Nature – Melbourne Design Week

Warren — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:49 +0000

Open House Melbourne launches its 2023 program with Open Nature — an exciting, thoughtful, and engaging series of ticketed walks, talks, tours and events as part of Melbourne Design Week...

LEARN MORE

The post Open Nature – Melbourne Design Week appeared first on JOY Drive.

The Great Dunny Hunt

Warren — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:58 +0000

We chat to Stephen Brook – deputy editor of The Sunday Age about the Great Dunny Hunt. Where are Australia’s best public toilets? Did you know that toiletmap.gov.au is one...

LEARN MORE

The post The Great Dunny Hunt appeared first on JOY Drive.

Travel with Chris Zeiher – Tasmania

Warren — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 00:39:28 +0000

Have you been to Tasmania lately? Hobart has transformed from a sleepy city to a premiere weekend get-away destination. Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet joins us to talk about his...

LEARN MORE

The post Travel with Chris Zeiher – Tasmania appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet x JOY Drive: Shoulder Travel

Emily — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 06:22:15 +0000

Em and Warren chat to Chris Zeiher about ‘Shoulder Travel’ and how to take advantage of it and save!

The post Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet x JOY Drive: Shoulder Travel appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dean Miller x JOY Drive: How to Get Over Jetlag

Emily — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:40:13 +0000

Warren chats with Dean Miller – Senior Postdoctoral Fellow from CQ University about Jetlag – what’s the best way to get over it?

The post Dean Miller x JOY Drive: How to Get Over Jetlag appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher x JOY Drive: Revenge Travel

Emily — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 01:18:13 +0000

Em and Warren chat to Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet about revenge travel, and it’s definitely NOT what Warren thinks it is!

The post Chris Zeiher x JOY Drive: Revenge Travel appeared first on JOY Drive.

The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP x JOY Drive: Hotel Booking Sites

Emily — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:16:48 +0000

Em and Warren chat to The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP about hotel bookings sites, pricing and how to make sure you truly get the best deal.

The post The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP x JOY Drive: Hotel Booking Sites appeared first on JOY Drive.

JOY Drive: Em’s 19km Hike

Emily — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 01:26:30 +0000

Em just got back from holidays in New Zealand. She tells Warren if she successfully did the 19km hike she’d been practicing for.

The post JOY Drive: Em’s 19km Hike appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet x JOY Drive: Japan and Thailand

Emily — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 02:13:06 +0000

Em and Warren chat to Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet about Japan and whether we should be thinking of heading to Thailand for our next adventure!

The post Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet x JOY Drive: Japan and Thailand appeared first on JOY Drive.

Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet x JOY Drive: Epic Hikes Aus & NZ

Emily — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 01:34:16 +0000

Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher joins Em and Warren to chat about their latest offering ‘Epic Hikes Australia & New Zealand’.

The post Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet x JOY Drive: Epic Hikes Aus & NZ appeared first on JOY Drive.

Peter Maddison, Grand Designs Australia x JOY Drive

Emily — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:15:05 +0000

Grand Designs Australia host, Peter Maddison chats to Em and Warren about some of the most iconic Melbourne architecture, and Open House Melbourne.

The post Peter Maddison, Grand Designs Australia x JOY Drive appeared first on JOY Drive.

Asher Fergusson x JOY Drive: Safe Travel for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Emily — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 04:00:19 +0000

Em and Warren chat to journalist and researcher Asher Fergusson about research done into where in the world is least and most safe for LGBTQIA+ people.

The post Asher Fergusson x JOY Drive: Safe Travel for the LGBTQIA+ Community appeared first on JOY Drive.