Podcasting Archives - Spoken Word

Spoken Word: Episode 53: Richard Mealey: Elephant Rope: Melbourne Fringe 2025.

James WF — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:08:34 +0000

James is back! This Episode is James’ first on-air recording since his cancer diagnosis in February, radiation treatment and surgery.

The first guest James has is Actor and Writer Richard Mealey as they discuss Richard’s new show for Melbourne Fringe Festival, Othello and lots more….

A new theatrical work written by Richard Mealey (My Failed Career, FryPan), a frightening allegory of conditioning and control.

When Jeph (Mealey) wakes up in the hospital, he finds himself confronted by Doctor Sidney (Sass Pinci, Dark Arcadia, FryPan) forcing him to face his greatest insecurities; but the deeper they go, the tighter Jeph feels the pull of the rope.

Elephant Rope is a horror comedy exposing uncomfortable truths, the trappings of depression, and the brutal reality of getting better.

For tickets: https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/elephant-rope

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Spoken Word: Episode 51: Laura Fisher; Why Not Believe in Everything?-Melbourne Fringe Festival, 2024.

James WF — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:55:13 +0000

This week James caught up with Laura Fisher, as they discussed her upcoming play, Why Not Believe in Everything?-Melbourne Fringe Festival, 2024.

“Why Not Believe in Everything?” is a Melbourne Fringe show on from October 16th to 20th at Club Voltaire (North Melbourne). An absurd, comedy.

Do you believe that the earth is 4.6 billion years old? Or do you believe that the earth is 6,000 years old and that it was created in 7 days? Thanks to “Why Not Believe in Everything?” you no longer have to choose.

A surreal comedy incorporating poetry, mime and puppets, this play tells the Biblical story of creation alongside evolution.

Adam and Eve begin as early primates, before evolving into apes, then humans. Aware of the inconsistencies in their reality, they do their best to make sense of the confusion (as we humans always do!).

The next generation Cain and Abel argue about hunter-gathering versus farming while Noah’s family struggle to understand their role in extinction. Finally, the Tower of Babel falls leaving Nimrod grappling to comprehend human expansion.

The only constant characters are God (who doesn’t say much) and Adam’s first wife Lilith: the succubus from Jewish folklore. Despite her bad reputation, Lilith denies being mates with Satan. Instead, she is a strong presence who challenges the insubordinate role of women and speaks up for extinct animals.

“Why Not Believe in Everything?” was selected for the 2023 Cracked Actors Summer Readings where author Laura Fisher received “Best Production and Producer Award.” Since then, Laura has been researching and obsessing over the misunderstood she-demon, Lilith. Laura is joined by the talented Eddy Burger, Katie Lohner and Pauline Sherlock in a performance that will leave you amused, confused and feeling more human than ever.

About Laura Fisher

Laura Fisher is an energetic poet, and performer who is well known on the Melbourne spoken word scene for convening Radio Laria Poetry. Previous to that, she was the regular MC for the Girls on Key poetry gig. Through both Radio Laria and Girls on Key, Laura has been a keen advocate and promoter for women and non-gender conforming poets. She has been the feature poet for various Melbourne poetry gigs.

Laura enjoys all kinds of writing. Her publications include a poem in the Dan Poets and in 2020 she was short-listed for the Eyelands short story award. At the age of 19 she left home to study English literature and Religious Studies at Manchester University. Nothing came from her study of religion until she wrote her play “Why not Believe in Everything?”- a piece that seeks to show how easy (or how difficult) it is to consolidate the Biblical story of creation with evolution theory. “Why Not Believe in Everything?” was selected for the 2023 Cracked Actors Summer Readings where Laura won “Best Producer and Production Award.”

“Laura is joined by talented performing artists Eddy Burger, Katie Lohner, Pauline Sherlock, Damien Ng, Vasi Samudra Devi and Ebem Toala.

This eclectic cast combines an impressive range of passions including: surrealism, acting, visual art, spoken word, singing, clowning, butoh, grotesque jazz, circus, palaeontology, and comedy in many forms.

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Spoken Word: Episode 50: Brian Walsh: Heroin: Addictionary: New Documentary.

James WF — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 06:21:46 +0000

This week on Joy Spoken Word, James spoke to Brian Walsh, a psychologist psychotherapist and documentary film maker in his private practice since 1990. He has Professional Training in Somatic Psychotherapy, and prior background in Rehabilitation Services as practitioner and manager.

Brian and James discussed the reality of drug addiction, the realities of heroin, trauma, and the effects of addiction on the loved one’s of people who are addicted.

Brian and James also discussed the history of heroin and the history of addiction and the drug trade.

If any thing in this podcast has triggered or caused any issue please go to the Joy external support page for help: https://joy.org.au/support/

Click here for Youtube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmhbRRt1fhs

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Spoken Word: Episode 49: Waffle Iron Girl: Sonic Poetry Festival 2024.

James WF — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 06:51:47 +0000

James spoke to Es Foong, one of the poets involved in the Melbourne Sonic Poetry Festival.

The festival is a community-based grassroots poetry and spoken word festival based in Melbourne / Naarm.

The festival’s aim is to connect poetry and spoken word practitioners of all varieties, audience members, gig organisers, convenors and facilitators in a celebration of poetry and the spoken word. We would like to create entrances for gigs, artists and the poets out there quietly writing and reciting. We seek to create pathways for people who need poetry in their lives and don’t know it, and provide space for people to share their stories. One of their core ideals is to also serve micro-communities that deserve to exist.

Es Foong (Waffle Irongirl) is a poet, flash fictionista and spoken word performer living on the land of the Wurundjeri people. Their poems have appeared in Australian Poetry Journal, Rabbit Poetry, Kalliope X and the Best of Australian Poems 2022 anthology. They have performed on poetry stages including La Mama Poetica and Queensland Poetry Festival 2022. On-stage, they are the poetic analogue of heavy-metal karaoke. Off-stage, they eat identity labels for breakfast. Their debut poetry collection “Clot and Marrow” was released from Recent Work Press in September 2024.

Book tickets: https://sonicpoetryfestival.com/home

https://sonicpoetryfestival.com/program/embodied-poetry-in-performance

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Spoken Word: Episode 48: Bound in Poetry (LGBTIQA+ Shibari and Poetry); Sonic Poetry Festival-Black Spark Cultural Centre

James WF — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 14:19:23 +0000

This week on Spoken Word, James is joined by Poetpre, as they discuss Bound in Poetry (LGBTIQA+ Shibari and Poetry); Sonic poetry Festival.

James and Poetpre discussed poetry, BDSM, Shibari practices, Kink and all things consent.

What happens when you combine the potent power of words with the sensual slithering of rope?

An evening filled with seductive poetry and the exquisite art form that is Shibari.

Featuring poets:

– Fleassy Malay, pan poet powerhouse who will blow you away with their performance
– Poetpre, her poems combine seduction, longing and heartbreak
– Hal Simons, official mischief maker with poems that will keep you guessing until the end!
-Harli Adalia, poet and bunny who will take you along the journey of being bound by…

Barefoot Juliette, international rigger extraordinaire whose performances are eroticism and intimacy personified

Come join us for an event that expands your mind and enriches your soul.

Please note: Partial nudity and adult themes mean this event is not suitable for those under 18 years of age. Respect and safety for everyone is paramount. The conveners have the right to remove anyone found not adhering to these values. If you purchase a ticket to this event, you agree to be bound by these conditions.

Event links:

https://facebook.com/events/s/bound-in-poetry/453234804163179/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bound-in-poetry-tickets-946350438637

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Spoken Word: Episode 47: Jasmine Downing; Inner Demons Poetry Session No. 3; Actor, Poet, and Dopamine-Seeking Wild Child

James WF — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 05:10:20 +0000

This week, Jasmine Downing, Actor, Poet, and Dopamine-Seeking Wild Child returns to Joy Spoken to talk to James, about her new show.

Step into Jasmine’s Shadow Realm: Sax, Puppetry, and Immersive Verse

Actor, poet, and dopamine-seeking wild child Jasmine is set to dazzle audiences with her new show, ‘Inner Demons Poetry Session No. 3’; Accompanied by saxophonist Amelia
Mulqueen and her demon puppet.

‘After battling heartbreak, neurodivergence, and my inner demons, I found love in improving my mental health; this performance shines a light on our hidden parts,
fostering self-compassion and understanding’ – Jasmine Downing’

Jasmine promises an evening of spontaneous poetry, original music, and dark, personal explorations of the psyche.
In her previous shows, Hummingbird Poetry Sessions No. 1" at The Butterfly Club and "Sunflower Poetry Sessions No. 2; at Club Voltaire, Jasmine uniquely dueled with Chat GPT in a robot helmet and conducted interviews with her growth persona, blending puns and profound narratives.

The heart of the show lies in audience participation. Jasmine’s interactive, typewritten poetry invites the audience to contribute their own words, which are then woven into the
fabric of the performance.

Dates: 18th and 19th October
Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm

Booking: Visit melbournefringe.com.au

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Spoken Word: Episode 45: Phoebe Greaves, Poetry for Pride; Special Double Episode

James WF — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:20:00 +0000

In this in double length episode James talks to an emerging poet, Phoebe Greaves about poetry, queerness, art history, philosophy, queer representation and so much more.

Phoebe is featuring at a very special event this week for pride.

Phoebe Greaves is an emerging poet and curator in Naarm, and current host of Crockpot Poetry. In her writing, she considers questions of connection, ephemera, and bodily experience. In addition to poetry, Phoebe debuted her first textile-based group exhibition at Unassigned Gallery titled ‘Thread of my Body, Thread of my Bed’ in February of 2024. As host of Crockpot Poetry at Unassigned Gallery, Phoebe curates a monthly line-up of poets and musicians, as well as a free open mic section.

Thu, June 13, from 6.30pm @ George Lane, arrive from 6.30pm and event starts at 7pm

It’s Pride Month and we’re celebrating on Fitzroy Street with an incredible night of poetry and spoken word!

Held in the beautiful George Lane, newbies and old hands alike will take to the stage and share their thoughts, feelings, experiences, musings and more.

You’ll hear from featured artists, Foot and Phoebe Greaves (read more on both below), then we’ll be inviting registered speakers to the stage, followed by open mic.

If you’d love to share a piece on the night, please register at this link so we can add you to the schedule. There will also be spaces at the end of the night for anyone else wanting to come up and speak.

There is no experience needed, and you needn’t even have written what you are sharing. You can also bring in something written by someone else that is amazing, inspiring or moves you, as long as you credit them. No need to be nervous! The event will consist of a respectful and welcoming space of speakers and listeners.

Note: there is also a blanket content warning on the evening

For those wanting to attend the night simply to listen, all are welcome and entry is free. Arrive early to get a seat, standing room also available. We look forward to seeing you.

https://discoverstkilda.com.au/whats-on/poetry-for-pride/

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Spoken Word: Episode 44: She-Wolf of Baker Street by Narrelle M. Harris

James WF — Tue, 21 May 2024 03:21:59 +0000

James is joined live in the studio for this episode of Spoken Word, by Narelle M. Harris, author of the new published Queer Werewolf adventure novel, She-Wolf of Baker Street.

In this podcast Narelle and James discuss all manner of 19th century Queer coding in society and literature, Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, Doctor Who, Steven Moffat and all things fae and mysterious.

Audrey Hudson takes the lead in this contemporary, paranormal take on the residents of Baker Street.

After Sherlock Holmes “rescues” Audrey Hudson from a kidnapper, she offers him her upstairs flat in exchange for solving the unsolved murder of her family in Edinburgh. Sherlock’s being forced to theorise without data, however – he doesn’t know his new landlady and her late family are werewolves.

There’s a lot he doesn’t know about his attractive new flatmate, John Watson, too.

Momentum is added to the case as Sherlock’s investigations suggest a much bigger mystery is at play, involving a disturbing case on Dartmoor with a Greek interpreter; Sherlock’s agoraphobic sister, Myca; Audrey’s long-dead love, Ruby Stockton; and the fate of Great Britain’s mystic heart.

Will Holmes be able to unravel the mysteries that have haunted Audrey’s life? And can Audrey protect her new pack, or is she about to lose those she loves once again to unknown enemies?

Narrelle M Harris is an award-winning writer of crime, horror, fantasy, romance and erotica. Her 40+ works of fiction, including 12 novels, have been published in Australia, US, Croatia, and the UK.

Award nominations include Fly By Night (Ned Kelly Award), Witch Honour and Witch Faith (both short-listed for the George Turner Prize), and Walking Shadows (Chronos Awards; Davitt Awards), and short story collection Scar Tissue and Other Stories (Aurealis Awards). Her ghost/crime story Jane won the Athenaeum Library’s “Body in the Library” prize at the 2017 Scarlet Stiletto Awards.

Her work includes vampire novels, including The Opposite of Life, erotic spy adventures, het and queer romance, traditional Holmesian mysteries, and Holmes/Watson romances The Adventure of the Colonial Boy (2016) and A Dream to Build a Kiss On (2018). Queer paranormal thriller-romance, Ravenfall, was released in 2017; spec-fic het romance, Grounded, was released in March 2019 by Escape Publishing. Her rock-and-roll urban fantasy Kitty and Cadaver followed with Clan Destine, in 2019.

In 2021, Clan Destine Press released Little Star, the fifth and final novella in Narrelle’s Duo Ex Machina series, which includes Fly By Night, Sacrifice, Number One Fan, and Kiss and Cry.

Narrelle also edited the 2021 Sherlock Holmes anthology The Only One in the World, described as ‘sheer unadulterated fun‘ by ArtsHub.

Narrelle M Harris blogs regularly, and you can find out more about Narrelle here.

Audrey Hudson has been a werewolf all her adult life, but after the terrible, unsolved slaughter of her found-family in Edinburgh, she withdraws to London, where a collector of cryptid artefacts kidnaps her.

Luckily, a young detective named Sherlock Holmes rescues Audrey, and although oblivious to the existence of werewolves and ghosts, he’s convinced he can find out who killed her family.

She offers the awkward genius a room in her Baker Street house, if he can find someone to share with. Enter John Watson – and his best friend Nicola ‘Nick’ Murray – whose own cryptid encounters will have a significant bearing on the inhabitants of 221B.

Of course Sherlock’s investigations suggest a much bigger mystery is at play: one involving a disturbing case on Dartmoor with a Greek interpreter; Sherlock’s agoraphobic sister, Myca; Audrey’s long-dead love, Ruby Stockton; and the fate of Great Britain’s mystic heart.

Will Holmes and Watson be able to unravel the mysteries that have haunted Audrey’s life?

To secure your spot at the free book launch this Saturday: https://www.readings.com.au/events/emma-viskic-robert-gott-and-narelle-m-harris

Narrelle Harris: freelance business writer and editor – nharris.com.au

Narrelle Harris writing services for authors – https://larkingservices.wordpress.com/

Narrelle M Harris: author, editor, songwriter – https://narrellemharris.iwriter.com.au/

Narrelle M Harris on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NarrelleMHarris

For the book please go here:https://www.clandestinepress.net/products/she-wolf-of-baker-street

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Spoken Word: Episode 43: Katya de Becerra & Melanie Schubert: Castle of Horror Anthology Volume 11: Revenge

James WF — Tue, 14 May 2024 11:42:17 +0000

On this episode James is joined by returning guest, Katya de Becerra (Author and Editor) and newcomer Melanie Schubert as they discuss a brand new horror anthology, Castle of Horror Anthology Volume 11: Revenge.

Published by Castle Bridge Media.

https://www.castlebridgemedia.com/

Castle of Horror Anthology Vol. 11: Revenge

How do you like your REVENGE?

Haunted? Heroic? Delivered by an invisible hand, a pirate– or perhaps a clown?

In REVENGE, the Castle of Horror opens a new wing, one dedicated to those who seek justice.

Enter the world of a female ghostly pirate’s life in Die Ravanche by Leanna Renee Hieber. Claire Low’s I Hope the Night is Quiet is a deeply unsettling tale of disappearances in a town that revolves around pork. I’ll Never Understand Ghosts by Dotti Enderle is a Christmas tale of gifts and hauntings. Jeremiah Dylan Cook’s The Monster in the Mine asks where the edges of trust lie when it comes to hauntings. Hard Sell by Will McDermott shows us a curiously demonic curio shop. A woman’s revenge takes on a cyberspace edge in Unauthorized Access by Sara Martinez. Scott Pearson’s First Impression explores the world of a dangerous assassin and a woman who joins him one night. Rob Nisbet gives us a pitch-perfect pastiche of HG Wells in Return of the Invisible Man. Serena Jayne shows us a conniving world of VR vacations in Future Perfect. A group of women plot their escape from the machinations of a wealthy narcissist in To Die Like a Pharaoh by Katya de Becerra. Carmen Gray’s The Suicide Tree looks at the plight of an immigrant worker and a talented woman who comes to her aid. Michael Joseph Tharnish Roby gives us a grisly faerie tale of multiple revenges in Small Retributions. Charles R. Rutledge returns to the world of his immortal hero Kharm in The Terrors of the Grave. Severed Cape by Melanie Schubert gives us a dark variant on Wonder Woman. Heath W. Shelby’s The Clowning goes whole-hog into small-town-American circus horror. Bryan Young contemplates the morality of taking the law into one’s own hands in Justified. Alethea Kontis brings us a tale of a brilliant woman getting even at her high school reunion in Pocket Full of Posey. And Another Day by Liz Holliday brings the Groundhog Day effect to a harrowing moment in a woman’s life.

Welcome back to the Castle of Horror! Be sure and come again.

Links:

Buy REVENGE:

https://www.amazon.com/Castle-Horror-Anthology-11-Revenge-ebook/dp/B0CZZHLG8D

Katya de Becerra was born in Russia, studied in California, lived in Peru, and then stayed in Australia long enough to become a local. She was going to be an Egyptologist when she grew up, but instead she earned a PhD in Anthropology. She is the critically acclaimed, Aurealis and Shadows nominated author of horror-thrillers When Ghosts Call Us Home, What The Woods Keep, Oasis, and the forthcoming They Watch From Below.

Katya de Becerra’s website: www.katyadebecerra.com

Melanie Schubert is a Croatian Australian who writes about badass anxious characters who do it scared. She is a host and a creator of the writing podcast: Of the Publishing Persuasion, together with her wildly talented and hilarious co-host Angela Montoya. Her short horror story, SEVERED CAPE, is out now in the Amazon bestselling Horror Anthology from Castle Bridge Media: Castle of Horror Volume 11: REVENGE. She was a Pitch Wars 2020 Mentee and has written multiple musical productions for the New Zealand performing arts company Gobsmacked for large scale stage productions.

https://www.instagram.com/melanie_schubert_writer/

Melanie also co-hosts a podcast: https://ofthepublishingpersuasion.wordpress.com/

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Spoken Word: Episode 42: Alaine Beek, ‘The Dress’ Lancemore Mansion Hotel

James WF — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 11:44:23 +0000

Immerse yourself in a fascinating story about two unlikely allies, a widow and her seamster, as they race to regain their spark of life. Performed in one of the grandest historic mansions in Australia and located next to Lancemore Mansion Hotel, this new play written by Alaine Beek is already receiving fantastic reviews and audience responses.

It is 1899, Mrs Hannah Bryden, the picture of respectable widowhood, has lived alone in her sprawling mansion. She enjoys nothing save the occasional company of her dressmaker, the flamboyant and sharp-tongued Mr Bertin.

But when massive advances in the fashion industry jeopardise Bertin’s livelihood, he hatches a plan to save both from obscurity. Hannah must come out of her widow’s blacks and launch herself once more as one of Melbourne’s leading socialites at an upcoming masquerade ball, clad in the most jaw-dropping fashion statement Bertin has ever attempted.
An entertaining historical story of two unlikely allies propelling each other towards purpose and the spark of life. The performance is indoors and is not affected by the weather and runs 90 mins without interval. Dates are added regularly, so keep an eye on the website for updates. Recommended 11+. Wheelchair accessible.

Experience this live, seated performance in the grand hallway of Werribee Park Mansion. marvel at the stunning costuming by dressmaker Harry Quinert, immerse yourself in live cello music and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or soft drink with the actors at end of play.

Essence Theatre Productions is an independent theatre production company based in Wyndham who’ve been performing successful historical shows for Werribee Park Mansion for over 20 years.

“The Dress is a heart-warming historical play that is definitely worth seeing…. you won’t be disappointed… a very enjoyable night.” Theatre Travels

https://www.facebook.com/EssenceProductionsMelbourne

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/935158

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