Episodes

  • Divestment Dilemma: HMAS Penguin, Middle Head, and the Fight to Preserve Public Heritage

    Divestment Dilemma: HMAS Penguin, Middle Head, and the Fight to Preserve Public Heritage
    May 1 2026
    In this RNB Podcast episode, Michael Lester interviews Jill L'Estrange of the Headland Preservation Group about the proposed divestment sale of HMAS Penguin, the historic waterfront naval facility at Middle Head, Mosman. Explore the community objections, the campaign to keep the site in public hands, and how these decisions intersect with defence budgeting and heritage protection. A thoughtful look at preserving public heritage amid development pressures on Sydney Harbour's Middle Head-Georges Heights precinct. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    28 mins
  • Job Reimagined: A World-Class Australian Production

    Job Reimagined: A World-Class Australian Production
    Apr 27 2026
    In this RNB Podcast, Chrissy Mack interviews producer Jason Blaiklock and composer Anthony MacDermott about the Australian take on the Book of Job. Explore how local producers and a brilliant cast bring this timeless tragedy to life, featuring insights into adaptation, score, and the creative process behind a world-class, homegrown interpretation of Job. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    24 mins
  • Liberal Renewal in Focus: James Griffin on Australia’s Political Reboot

    Liberal Renewal in Focus: James Griffin on Australia’s Political Reboot
    Apr 23 2026
    In this Friday RNB Podcast, Michael Lester talks with NSW Liberal MP James Griffin, former Environment and Heritage Minister and current Shadow Minister for Energy, Climate Change, Digital AI, and Investment. They dissect the Liberal Party’s brand challenges after a historic federal defeat, the plunge in polling, and the rise of new leadership at national and NSW levels. Explore strategies for renewal and regeneration, the path to rebuilding trust, and how party direction might shape Australia’s climate, innovation, and digital futures. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    30 mins
  • Looking from the North: Australia’s History from the Top Down

    Looking from the North: Australia’s History from the Top Down
    Apr 23 2026
    In this RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Henry Reynolds, Australian of the Year (2015) and distinguished historian of settler-indigenous relations. They discuss Reynolds’ new book, Looking from the North: Australian History from the Top Down (New South Books, 2025), which reframes Australia’s colonisation as two distinct acts—1788 in the southeast under imperial sovereignty and post-1860 expansion in the north under Australian sovereignty. The conversation delves into land settlement, demographic dynamics, and the complex patterns of land ownership, including Indigenous rights to land across a continent where much of the tropical north remains a frontier of development. A thoughtful, provocative exploration of how “top-down” history reshapes national memory and policy. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    30 mins
  • Boosting Your Business with Terry Kennedy

    Boosting Your Business with Terry Kennedy
    Apr 20 2026
    Join Chrissy Mack as she interviews Terry Kennedy from Thryv in this must-listen episode. Discover strategies for managing your online reviews and reputation, building business resilience and growth through smarter technology, and unlocking the secret to getting your small business on page one of Google. Learn how to ensure your business is the one chosen by AI. Tune in for valuable insights and tips to enhance your business success. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    16 mins
  • RNB Podcast: Saving Lives with Michael Lester and Max Dagenais

    RNB Podcast: Saving Lives with Michael Lester and Max Dagenais
    Apr 18 2026
    In this episode of the RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Max Dagenais, founder and CEO of Heart Safe Australia. Discover how 30,000 Australians suffer sudden cardiac arrest out of hospitals each year, with a staggering 90% dying prematurely. Max discusses the critical steps to saving lives: calling 000, applying CPR, and using a defibrillator. Learn about the importance of community awareness, training, and the availability of defibrillators in reducing fatalities that surpass those from road trauma, cancer, and other causes. Tune in to find out how you can make a difference. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    30 mins
  • Deborah Conway: From Man Overboard to The Book of Life

    Deborah Conway: From Man Overboard to The Book of Life
    Apr 15 2026
    In this RNB episode, Michael Lester chats with Deborah Conway, tracing her eventful music career—from the 1980s with Do Re Mi and the hit "Man Overboard," through a vibrant 1990s solo run, to collaborations with her partner Zygier. They discuss the evolution of her craft, her foray into musical theatre with The Book of Life, and her 2025 autobiography. The conversation touches on themes like "Human Sounds" and the tension between human artistry and AI-generated music, as well as Conway's recent projects and the upcoming Manly Writers Festival in March 2026. They also reflect on new material, touring, and Conway's enduring influence in Australian music. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    28 mins
  • Pittwater Art Scene: Dennis King in Conversation with Michael Lester

    Pittwater Art Scene: Dennis King in Conversation with Michael Lester
    Apr 13 2026
    In this RNB episode, Michael Lester chats with Dennis King, a Northern Beaches artist, about the vibrant community art scene, the annual Pittwater exhibition featuring 20 artists, and the Pittwater Artists Trail open studio events in 2026. Learn about the exhibition schedule (Newport Community Centre, March 27-29) with works for sale and a fundraising silent auction, plus details on the open studio trails (July 25-26 and November 21-22, 2026). A showcase of local talent, community engagement, and opportunities to support the arts. Stream RNB Radio Explore Website Donate CONTACT Inquiry Form Studio telephone number (02) 9451-4887 Sponsorship enquiries (02) 9453-4903 POSTAL ADDRESS Our postal address is: The Secretary, Radio Northern Beaches, PO Box 221 Belrose West NSW 2085
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    29 mins