People Stories

For the final episode of BTB, it was only fitting to bring back a guest from the first season back in 2020, Yianni Efkarpidis from the Molonglo Group - the team responsible for such New Acton award-winning developments as Nishi and ApARTments.  We spoke then about the evolution of Canberra and how to create legacy through design, built environment, or architectural work for the benefit of others in the community. In this conversation, we look to the future and discuss what kind of impact the latest Canberra precinct project may have on the city’s evolution for decades to come.  It’s a conversation not only about projects but also about the bigger philosophy around bringing people together under a common vision, how to be truly present in your work and the value of closely relating to each other.  Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Ben Appleton, who heads up Photox. Ben specialises in professional photography, videography, and commercial drone services. For a decade and a half, he’s been capturing visuals for businesses, government agencies, national institutions, and major brands, with work published worldwide. Ben’s journey from a teenager obsessed with sport and fitness to an owner of an established creative business is an insightful one, especially considering his path was forged by a regrettable accident. If you’re in the photography field, love taking pics, or want to hear how someone built a career out of passion and deep technical interest - this is the episode for you. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Jenny Telford, who looks after the Census at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.  If you have ever wondered how the Census is organised, gathered, interpreted and used, then this is the episode for you.  Jenny discusses the process of designing the research, gathering the data and interpreting it so that major and highly informed decisions affecting Australians can be made at a government level.  The insights into our community, culture, and society are fascinating, not only providing a snapshot of the present but also offering an insight into the future through data-driven projections.  Interestingly, our results are also compared to those of partnering countries also undertaking this research activity. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Kaylee Rutland, who has over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, community engagement, and emergency services. Currently serving as the Interim Assistant Commissioner at ESA, and plays a pivotal role in shaping partnerships and enhancing public safety outcomes for the Canberra community. Kaylee has built much of her career consistently focused on improving public awareness, crisis communication, and internal reform. With a strong foundation in community education, media liaison, and strategic reform, Kaylee has a deep commitment to resilience-building across Canberra and the broader ACT region. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Brad Tucker, who works as an Astrophysicist and Cosmologist at the Australian National University Mt Stromlo Observatory. In this conversation, we discover the distinction between the two titles and how he came to love physics, with its endless loop of enthralling questions and answers. We chat about Sci-Fi and its place in the scientific community, including the work he does as an advisor to Hollywood and explore his work, which ranges from black holes to efficient street lamps. It's a fun conversation, and not just for those heavily into science but for those who want to discover more about those who are at the forefront of human understanding.   Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude sits down with Paul Whitehorn, head of the National Zoo & Aquarium, including the iconic Jamala Wildlife Lodge. In this conversation, we dive into the fascinating world of zoo operations and uncover the complex work involved in caring for, presenting, and protecting animals. Paul has always wanted to work with animals, and his deep passion for our connection with other species shines through. He shares his personal journey and reveals the important work the zoo undertakes—much of which goes unnoticed by casual visitors. The discussion also highlights the broader impact of our visits, not just on the zoo itself, but across national and international networks focused on animal conservation, protection, and care. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Chris Condon who is the Assistant Director of Strategic Risk Management Bushfire at ACTRFS. Chris began his emergency management career in rural New South Wales, inspired by a passion for the rural sector developed during his time at an agricultural high school. He joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2002 and later the ACT Rural Fire Service in 2017. His formal career in emergency services began with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, later transitioning to ACT Biosecurity and Rural Services. Now Assistant Director, Strategic Risk Management Bushfire at ACTRFS, Chris focuses on bushfire risk mitigation and disaster preparedness. He collaborates with government and land management agencies at both state and national levels. Chris has contributed to major incidents including the 2003 Canberra Bushfires, 2009 Black Saturday Fires, and 2019–2020 Orroral Valley Bushfires, and has twice deployed to Canada to assist with wildfire response. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Claire Fenwicke, who leads the Region Media journalist team. Claire has a great back story that takes us through the career progression of a passionate journalist, communicator and editor. Starting with a degree in Journalism, Claire worked her way though writing of regional press, then working in the high pressured environment of TV as a news producer, then a stink in Canberra FM before landing a position as the Editor or Region Media - a Canberra and region news channel that provides wide ranging coverage of news and events that really matter to the community. We chat about her love of pressure and how she handles it, her love of calculus and how that fits into her thinking, why news outside of the social media echo-chamber is important for balance and how journalists aim to stay objective. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Will, who is an experienced dancer, actor and presenter, as well as Marketing Manager at the National Zoo & Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge. He manages to balance both sides to his professional passions with drive and deep meaning, especially when it comes to communicating with audiences, whether they be via performance or marketing. Will has been cast in the Australia and New Zealand Tour for the brand new acclaimed work, Trent Dalton's Love Stories. Learn more about him before you catch the Australian production and Will at the Canberra Theatre (September 24-27 to September 27, 2025). Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Josh Mulrine, who currently works with specific clients to source stones and gems and deliver unique jewellery pieces. Josh's back story is a very interesting one, with his previous successful pursuits in cinematography and event management paving a unique path towards his fascination with jewels. As a very social and driven individual, Josh has had to learn how to discover opportunity at times of hardship and how to redefine himself despite his set-in professional identity. Brought to you by Supercurious. Https://vividJewels.com.au Https://dcs.video Instagram.com/joshmulrine

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Samantha, who is a Chair of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, an Associate Dean Higher Degree Research and Deputy Head of School at the ANU School of Music. Considering her academic achievements, we discuss what it means to be an academic, is one born or developed and what is an academic mindset. Samantha has a great life story to tell about her journey through music, both from an applied side as an audio engineer and a theoretical one in her teaching and research.  We also discuss her part on a recent documentary on the legendary Fairlight CMI music workstation which Nick Vevers produced as part of his Mustard Flats project. That rare equipment was hugely influential in the production of many pop and dance classics worldwide - and it was developed here in Canberra. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Wayne Phillips, who is the Commissioner at ACT ESA, the agency that includes Fire & Rescue, Ambulance, Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services. If that sounds like a big job with a wide scope of responsibility, then that’s because it certainly is. Wayne takes us through the reactive and proactive work of the various areas, the type of people this work attracts and the supreme professional bond within the teams. We also chat about Wayne’s journey from being a young firefighter in Sydney’s King's Cross to his Commissioner position now, and the sliding doors moment that took him there. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Cyf, who is the founder of Forge Constructions - a team that offers commercial and residential construction services throughout Canberra and surrounding regions. Cyf discusses his love for the trades and the complete building process, his business journey and how it has evolved from carpentry, to commercial work and then to residential projects. We also chat about the changes in the industry, future career prospects and what inspires him. Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Tania, who started in fashion but quickly turned her passion for making things to ceramics. She grew a successful practice that included exhibitions, awards and a busy production studio. Tania is now at the start of her next exciting chapter as a painter. We discuss the difference between craft and art, the balance between art and business, how to feed the soul and the bank balance at the same time and how to make connections in the art scene. Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions.  Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Bri Williams, who is TikTok content creator and real estate professional. Bri is a perfect example of someone that has managed to balance two somewhat opposing professions. One the one hand a TokTok star with a large and loyal following in Canberra and beyond and, on the other hand, she is a real estate agent wth LJ Hooker. We explore how hard or easy keeping a balance between career and passion is, the world of social media, the challenges and tribulations of creating comedic content and why having an audience is a privilege. Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions.  Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Lachlan Jarvis who is a Private Investigator from the agency 'Lyonswood'. Lachlan offers a great insight into the type of people that are drawn to this profession and the skill they have to make them really suitable for it. He also gives us a great look into what PI’s do and the kind of principals and codes they abide by. So if you ever wondered if all PI’s are lone wolves or do they work in teams, or if the work is dangerous and what sets some PI’s apart from others - all that is answered in this episode.  Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions.  Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude is in conversation with Nesh Nikolic, who is the Managing Director of the Strategic Psychology practice and a clinical psychologist. Nesh provides and insight into the world of psychology in private practice, the theoretical and applied principles that guide his work, the clients he consults and the most common challenges he assists people to overcome. With the rise of psychology as a fundamental need for overall balance and health, this conversation provides an insight into where psychology may fit into the every day rather than into special occasions. Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions.  Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude is in conversation with Theo Koutsikamanis, Partner & Sales Executive at Bastion Property Group.   Theo loves what he does, but it took the simple advice of a mentor early in his career to set him on this path.  Theo’s journey from working over a hot grill seven days a week in a family takeaway to being a partner in a key real estate group in Canberra, provides a great insight into how strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, genuine interest and surrounding yourself with talented people are some of the key principles of success. Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions.  Brought to you by Supercurious.

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Avon Dissanayake: Strategic Communicator in Transformation, Innovation & AI. Avon is an accomplished leader with over eighteen years of experience in private, corporate and public sector roles. All this experience has meant that he has changed jobs and careers many times but used a specific ‘storytelling’  thread to join them all together.  Avon also has a specific mindset which enables him to suit his career to life stages and balance personal ambition and drive with personal lifestyle goals. Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions. 

Ashley Feraude in conversation with Cam Sullings who is a presenter for hire and and provides media training via his consultancy Present with Impact.  Cam loves to be behind the mic to present, lead panels, host events and run radio programs. He has made a long career out of his passion for public speaking by tapping into a field that many of us dread.  Cam takes us through tips on how to see presenting in a confidence-building way, shares some fun insights about his work and generational changes in communications and even provides some guidance on media training. Behind the Bio, a podcast about the people behind the professions.  Brought to you by Supercurious.