Listen & Chat With Chrissy Mack

CHRISTINE MCCORMACK

Tune in to Listen & Chat With Chrissy Mack, where we bring you the best stories, interviews, and moments from the shows, curated just for you. Enjoy engaging Trevor McCormack Music Interviews, insights into the Northern Beaches Entertainment Shows, and exclusive interviews from Radio Northern Beaches. Catch your favorite segments anytime on your preferred podcast platform and stay connected to the vibrant spirit of the Northern Beaches!

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183 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes183

Newest first

March 20 · 33 min
Dare to Be Wealthy: Empowering Women to Own Their Financial Future
In this episode of RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Melissa Browne, a financial educator and author of Dare to Be Wealthy. Discover her approach to creating true wealth on your own terms, breaking barriers in a world often designed by men for men. Learn how women can gain financial freedom, confidence, and the power to pursue what truly matters. Join Melissa at the Manly Writers Festival, March 19–22, and start your journey toward financial independence today.
March 16 · 29 min
Sustainable Data Centers: Finance, Footprints, and Future Risk — An Interview with Gordon Noble
In this episode, Michael Lester chats with Gordon Noble, research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS) and specialist in sustainable finance. They discuss the environmental and governance challenges of data centers—central infrastructure for AI, cloud, and the digital economy. Topics include energy and water intensity, the rapid growth projected to US$7 trillion by 2035, Australia's role as a regional hub with hundreds of centers, and the need for transparent governance to cur
March 13 · 38 min
Harmonies and Journeys: An Interview with Heather Davies
In this episode, Chrissy Mack speaks with Heather Davies, a talented conductor and musician, about her inspiring journey into music. Discover how she creates and travels with her shows, bringing musical excellence and passion to audiences around the world.
March 12 · 29 min
Lloyd Rees and the Architects: An Interview with Ross Wilson
In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Ross Wilson about his new book, Lloyd Rees and the Architects. Discover the legacy of Lloyd Rees, one of Australia's most revered artists, who taught art and art history for over 40 years at the University of Sydney. Learn how his drawing skills transformed architects’ perspectives on landscape, light, and structure—an influence still alive today. Ross Wilson discusses his storytelling at the Manly Writers Festival, March 19–22—more at www.manlywritersf
March 9 · 13 min
Banking Dehumanized: From Marketplace Trust to Cold Algorithms
In this episode, Chrissy Mack explores the evolution of banking—from its roots at the merchant’s bench in ancient markets to today’s impersonal financial systems. Discover how the shift from human trust to algorithms and rigid policies has affected our sense of community and connection, and the importance of restoring compassion in finance.
March 6 · 29 min
Spycraft and Secrets: An Interview with Mike Pritchard
In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Mike Pritchard, founder of the Australian Spy Museum, about his 15-year journey collecting over 2,000 genuine espionage artifacts from international intelligence agencies. Discover the fascinating world of spycraft, cyber security, and the stories behind the artifacts that reveal the secrets of espionage across the ages and countries.
March 4 · 22 min
Reviving Australian Music: An Interview with Robert Rigby
In this episode, Michael Lester chats with Robert Rigby, a seasoned music industry executive and founder of Ambition Records. With over 15 years of pioneering strategies, Robert shares how he’s championed Australian artists, revived legendary careers like Jon English and Russell Morris, and filled niche markets in country, jazz, and classical crossover. Discover his insights into navigating the evolving music business and marketing landscape, and explore his innovative online store, GreatMusicLi
March 3 · 5 min
The Dehumanization of Banking: Chrissy Mack’s Call for Compassion
In this candid episode, Chrissy Mack shares her passionate rant about how our banking systems have become impersonal and dehumanizing. Explore the need for compassion, integrity, and human connection in financial dealings, and how restoring our banks’ humanity can bring healing and trust back to our communities.
March 1 · 28 min
A Race Against Time: Ian Kemish on Two Islands
In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Ian Kemish AM, former Australian diplomat, about his debut thriller, Two Islands (Hachette 2026). Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian war, the fast-paced story follows an AFP prosecutor racing to find a witness and victim hiding in Scotland’s Hebrides. Ian shares insights from his diplomatic experience in the Balkans and his family heritage in the Hebrides, revealing how history and personal story shape this gripping novel. Don’t miss his appearance
February 27 · 25 min
Bridging Cultures Through Music: An Interview with Michael Atherton
In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Michael Atherton AM, a passionate musician, composer, and music educator from the University of Western Australia. Discover his lifelong journey exploring instruments and sounds across cultures, his performances with groups like Renaissance Players and Sirocco, and his collaborations celebrating Australia's diverse musical landscape. Tune in for inspiring stories, a glimpse into his creative approach, and a selection of his music. Michael will be a gue
February 25 · 29 min
Early Photography in Colonial Australia: An Interview with Dr. Eliza DeCourcy
In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Dr. Eliza DeCourcy, an expert and seasoned curator of photography, about her groundbreaking new book, Early Photography in Colonial Australia (2025). Based on three years of extensive archival research, Eliza reveals how early photographic techniques like daguerreotypes were imported, adapted, and used in Australia between 1840 and 1860—shaping colonial identity and history. Discover how photography became a tool of colonization and its overlooked yet
February 23 · 29 min
Australia’s AI Future: A Critical Conversation with Toby Walsh
In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Professor Toby Walsh, a leading AI expert from UNSW, about the recent Australian national AI plan. Toby shares his disappointment, highlighting how the plan lags behind international efforts, focusing mainly on infrastructure while falling short on skills development, SME application, and proactive regulation. Discover the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's AI landscape and the need for a more comprehensive approach.
February 21 · 11 min
The Evolution of Rock and Roll: A Journey Through the Music with Chrissy Mack
Join Chrissy Mack as she explores the history of rock and roll—tracing its transformations, the forces that shaped its evolution, and the lasting impact on music and culture. Then, get ready to experience the energy firsthand at the Northern Beaches Radio Rock the Radio fundraiser.
February 20 · 29 min
From Rock Stardom to Crime Fiction: An Interview with Dave Warner
In this episode, Michael Lester speaks with Dave Warner, the legendary Australian musician turned best-selling author of 15 crime novels. Explore his journey from gold-selling rock star to master of crime fiction, with insights into his latest book, Sound Mind, Dead Body, and his upcoming appearance at the Manly Writers Festival (March 22-29). Discover the similarities between songwriting and writing novels, sources of inspiration, and the moral landscape of crime fiction.
February 18 · 26 min
Behind the Scenes of the Manly Writers Festival with Bonita Mersiades
In this episode, Michael Lester interviews Bonita Mersiades, founder and director of the upcoming Manly Writers Festival (March 19-22, 2026). With over 90 speakers across diverse genres and topics, Bonita shares the festival’s growth, community spirit, and the exciting lineup of fiction and non-fiction events at beautiful beachside venues. Discover how this independent festival continues to thrive and inspire writers and readers alike.
February 16 · 29 min
Reimagining Australia's Economy: A Conversation with Bronwyn Kelly
Despite decades of neoliberal policies promoting growth and wealth, Australia's economy has fallen short for its people—fueling inequality, stagnant wages, and rising living costs. Bronwyn Kelly, policy analyst and founder of Australian Community Futures Planning, offers a bold critique and a call for fundamental reform. Join us as we explore her insights and prescriptions from her new book, The Public Interest Economy: Democratizing the Australian Economy.
February 13 · 29 min
Reframing Australia: An Interview with Mark McKenna
In this episode, Michael Lester interviews eminent historian Mark McKenna about his latest book, The Shortest History of Australia. Spanning ten concise chapters, McKenna offers a new perspective focused on place, time, and Aboriginal lived experience, revealing stories of country that have long remained untold.
February 11 · 29 min
The Shortest History of the U.S.: An Interview with Don Watson
In this episode, Michael Lester interviews acclaimed Australian author Don Watson about his latest book, The Shortest History of the United States of America. Discover how the U.S. has struggled with unity and democracy since 1776, torn by unresolved conflicts. A compelling portrait of a nation at war with itself.
February 9 · 27 min
A Life Revealed: Natalie Scott on A Secret Grief
In this episode of RNB Podcast, Michael Lester interviews Natalie Scott, a resident of Northern Beaches, journalist, writer, and teacher of creative writing. Listen as she shares insights into her upcoming memoir, A Secret Grief (Pepper Press, 2025), a heartfelt reflection on her childhood in 1930s Sydney. Through evocative storytelling, Natalie explores her family’s upheaval, her complex relationship with her mother, and the enduring support of her father—painting a lyrical picture of memory, i
February 6 · 23 min
Fifty Years in Rock: Buzz Bidstrup’s Journey from the Angels to Gang Gajang
In this episode of RNB Podcast, Michael Lester sits down with Graeme “Buzz” Bidstrup to celebrate his remarkable five-decade career in rock music. From his legendary work with The Angels and Gang Gajang to extensive tours across the U.S. and Europe, Buzz shares candid stories and insights from his new memoir, No Secrets (Harper Collins, 2025). Plus, discover his deep connection with Jimmy Little and his ongoing commitment as CEO of the Jimmy Little Foundation, working to empower Indigenous youth