Well Well Well

We sit down with Louise Lever, Festival Director of Melbourne Queer Film Festival ahead of its ten-day takeover of Melbourne cinemas.

They trace the festival’s roots back to 1991, reveal how this year’s entire program was assembled in just two months, and reflect on how queer storytelling has evolved from the AIDS crisis era to today’s mainstream.

We also dig into the standout films of the program, from an acclaimed opening night documentary about identity and sport to wildcards, debut features, and a beloved classic marking its tenth anniversary.

Chapte...

We speak with a Deakin University research fellow about the manosphere and how its anti-feminist rhetoric spills over into hate and violence against LGBTIQA+ communities.

We trace how the term emerged, why incel communities blame feminism for their loneliness, and how friendship, not isolation,  can pull boys deeper into the sphere.

We also examine how outrage-driven algorithms and influencer business models monetise misogyny, and why trans people are bearing the brunt of the backlash.

Finally, we ask what pathways out of the manosphere look like, and how schools, families and friends c...

We dive into Emen8’s new Welcome peer navigation service and updated brand identity, designed to build trust with young and newly arrived gay and bi migrant men.

Tony and Alex walk us through Welcome’s service on WhatsApp where migrants can chat one-on-one with peers who share their language and lived experience.

We explore why peer-to-peer connection cuts through where government-style health messaging can’t, and what questions people ask when they won’t ask a doctor.

To close, we compare queer cultures across Brazil, Thailand, and Australia — from sexual health cli...

We explore gambling harm through an LGBTIQA+ lens, unpacking how minority stress, isolation and belonging shape the way diverse communities experience it.

Matt and Tracey from Relationships Australia SA join us to discuss why certain cohorts within our diverse communities face elevated risks and how online wagering and gaming mechanics have transformed the gambling landscape.

Jack also speaks with them about the barriers people face seeking support and what genuine inclusivity looks like in mainstream services. Listeners learn practical strategies for harm reduction and where free, confidential support can be accessed.

...

Jack and Joel discuss the ASHM Conference at Albert Park in Melbourne, where the HIV and sexual health sector gathers each year to compare notes on what’s working.

This episode digs into why stigma has lagged behind prevention science, from an on-demand PrEP campaign timed to Mardi Gras to new research showing there’s no shared norm any more about discussing HIV status with casual partners.

We also examine who gets imagined as “the community” in ending HIV campaigns, and hear about how turning stigma into a measurable indicator may have detached it from...

In this episode we’re talking about Before We Begin, a naughty, interactive comedy that mashes up the playful spirit of Taskmaster with the educational heart of Sex Education.

Created by theatremaker and performer Hamish Annan, the live show invites audiences to explore consent and queer intimacy through a series of escalating, real-time invitations.

It’s a vulnerable, hilarious, and safe space to practice “sexy decision-making” with strangers, proving that doing intimacy better is a team effort.

Jack and Joel ask Hamish about creating safe containers for vulnerability, the gaps in queer se...

Luke Miller, Lead Organiser of Melbourne Queer Games Festival joins us to unpack how video games function as both therapeutic escape and powerful tools for identity exploration.

Jack and Jake chat with him about the festival’s decade-long journey from a simple “gayest games” list to an internationally recognised showcase of over 1000 submissions from queer creators worldwide.

We discuss the unique healing potential of meditative indie games and how digital spaces can serve vulnerable community members who lack physical access to queer venues.

Chapters

02:13 – Introducing Luke Miller and Melbourne Queer Ga...

Cal dives into the intersection of kink, fetish, and health promotion within Melbourne’s queer community through The Laird Hotel’s long-standing Northside Bizarre event.

Laird Hotel owner Brett and community legend Tex discuss the evolution of safe sex messaging from early AIDS council campaigns to modern peer-based outreach methods.

We also get into the nitty gritty about how venues like pubs and clubs have historically functioned as informal health education spaces beyond traditional medical settings.

This year’s Northside Bizarre is set to be bigger and better than ever. Learn more a...

We’re joined by Rose, Marc, and Jesse, three Thorne Harbour Health volunteers to hear about the volunteer moments that have stuck with them, from welcoming people newly diagnosed at the Positive Living Centre to running red ribbon stalls and corporate workshops.

We unpack why volunteering at an event can be more rewarding than simply attending one, and how a regular shift can become a fixture you can really miss.

Jack also speaks with them about how the organisation’s history shapes its work today, from its founding as the Victorian AIDS Council to i...

In this episode of Well Well Well we’re talking about peptides. If you’ve heard the word whispered around the gym, the group chat, or your “For You” page lately, you’re not alone.

We’re joined by Renae Fomiatti and Gemma Nourse from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. To be clear, they are sociologists, not medical doctors.

So this conversation should not be taken as medical advice, and we’re not here to sell you on them or scare you off them. This is a conversat...

Carolyn Gillespie, CEO of Women’s Health in the North and chair of the Victorian Women’s Health Services Network joins us to discuss women’s health during Women’s Health Week.

We explore why Victoria’s 35-year-old women’s health infrastructure is among the best in Australia, and why gender equality is the most pressing driver of women’s health outcomes.

Jake and Joel also discuss with Carolyn the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into women’s pain, the everyday realities of the gender health gap, and what genuinely inclusive care looks like for queer women and...

We dive into why LGBTQIA youth spaces like Wear It Purple Day remain crucial nearly fifteen years after launching, as queer young Australians continue to experience bullying and discrimination.

Reb from Minus18 shares powerful stories from Queer Formal events where isolated young people meet their community for the first time and experience life-changing affirmation.

We discuss how social media bans create additional barriers for regional youth while hate groups continue targeting safe spaces and attempting to sabotage events.

Finally, we offer practical advice for parents, educators, and allies who want to...

Kylie and Gozde from Carer Gateway join us to discuss unpaid caring, and the resulting challenges that our diverse communities sometimes navigate with limited support.

We hear about the free services available through Carer Gateway, including counselling, coaching, and peer support groups.

Kylie also shares details about Rainbow Crew, an online group for LGBTIQA+ carers who need safe, inclusive, and affirming support.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

03:50 – What is Carer Gateway and who qualifies

07:40 – Difficulties carers face in daily life

11:30 – Practical self-care strategies for carers

15:15...

Jack and Rhian are joined by Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s Love and Connection Expert to dive into queer dating and Hinge’s 2026 LGBTQ+ DATE Report.

Drawing on surveys with over 31,000 LGBTQ+ daters globally, we unpack everything from clarity-building chemistry to the unique pressures queer people face navigating modern dating without traditional relationship blueprints.

Moe goes into detail on must-haves for queer relationships, the shift away from rigid timelines, safety concerns around PDA, and practical advice for ending connections with care rather than ghosting.

Chapters

02:17 – Unlearning hookup app habits

...

We dive into prostate cancer screening, treatment, and lived experience through an LGBTIQA+ lens.

Jack and Rachel speak with Michael Cromer, a urology nurse practitioner at the Australian Prostate Centre, who breaks down what the prostate does, when to start testing, and how treatment side effects can impact continence and sexual function.

We also explore the unique barriers queer people face, from fear of outing to clinicians who don’t understand queer sex lives.

Jaco Erasmus also joins us to share his personal diagnosis story at 48 and discusses founding Prostate Pride, a...

Jack and Cal return to the world of leather, kink, and fetish title competitions through Cal’s journey as Mr. Australian Leather, including his visit to Auckland for the inaugural MX Gear New Zealand title.

We hear from contestants including a 74-year-old trans man finding his second wind in community, a South Island pup advocating for trans rights, and a self-proclaimed “comedy queen” channelling Princess Margaret on their path to the title.

The conversation unpacks how these titles serve as platforms for sexual health advocacy, community building, and solidarity at a time when queer...

Jenna Love has worked as an independent sex worker for over a decade, and now leads Sex Work Advocacy work as the president of Scarlet Alliance.

In this episode she speaks with Jordan about her experience at the Women Deliver conference in Melbourne to the fight for decriminalisation across so-called Australia.

We explore the long history of peer-to-peer organising in the sex worker community, the contagious spread of the Nordic model, and what genuine allyship looks like.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction

05:00 — Meeting incredible overachievers at Women Deliver

10:00 — Creati...

We discuss sexually adventurous men's project, Down an' Dirty, with Craig from Thorne Harbour Health. This sexual health resource for sexually adventurous men covers kink, fetish, and harm reduction. Wayne from SNKR Bar joins to discuss sneaker fetish culture and his Melbourne-based community events for sportswear enthusiasts. We also talk about how safe, inclusive spaces support LGBTIQA+ communities explore various aspects of sexual expression while prioritising consent and community connection. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:42 - Down and Dirty sexually adventurous men health project overview 02:32 - Extensive range of kink fetish sexual practices content 05:09 - Harm reduction framework keeping community members safe...

What's behind the explosion of mental health content flooding social media feeds today? We ask Lilly, a registered psychologist from Thorne Harbour Health's Under the Rainbow program, to help us find the answer. Jake and Jack speak with them about concerning trends including simplified diagnoses, debunked frameworks like love languages and MBTI, and why pathologising everyday behaviours can be problematic. We explore how to spot credible information versus clickbait, why self-diagnosis has both benefits and risks, and what you can expect if you decide to speak with a psychologist or therapist. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Social Media Concerns 01:53 - Meet...

Rachel is joined by Jacob Boehme, an award-winning filmmaker, choreographer, and cultural leader. Jacob shares his journey from a troubled teenager in Melbourne's western suburbs to his studies, where he discovered the deep connections between traditional cultural practice and theatre. We also explore his acclaimed solo work Blood on the Dance Floor, which centres First Nations experiences of living with HIV. He closes after speaking about his current role leading the Mob+ program at Thorne Harbour Health's Positive Living Centre in Prahran. Chapters 00:00 - Show introduction and guest overview 01:52 - Early theatre and dance beginnings 05:54 - Cultural discovery and identity...

Trans non-binary performer Kitty Obsidian joins us to discuss the intersection of fetish performance, activism, and community health. Joel and Jake speak with them about the legal realities of sex work in Australia, why risk-awareness is essential for both performers and participants, and their involvement with the Touchbase harm reduction campaign. We also talk about creating safer queer spaces and the inaugural Fetish Fantasy Ball fundraising gala supporting sex worker and First Nations organisations. Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Host Welcome 02:11 - Meeting Kitty Obsidian 04:54 - Life Journey and Discovering Queer Identity 09:31 - Performance Audiences From Cabaret To Sex Shows 14:17...

This special live broadcast from JOY's 2026 Radiothon features a spirited "Sexpert Trivia" challenge. We dive into the archives of Victorian AIDS Council campaigns, decode hanky colour meanings, and discuss the practical importance of various barrier methods. Chapters 00:00 - Radiothon special kickoff and guest intros 04:11 - HIV campaign poster history 08:53 - CondoMan superhero campaign origins 13:11 - Drama Down Under campaign in the top end 17:32 - Barrier methods 28:05 - Hanky codes 32:18 - Final scores All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. I...

We explore why Australia relies on state-based organisations to tackle HIV and sexual health rather than only one national body.

Jack and Cal are joined by new Thorne Harbour Health CEO Chad Hughes, and discuss the critical challenge of delivering equitable health services to our diverse communities in regional Victoria and South Australia.

Chad dives into the organisation’s strategy of embedding practitioners with lived experience into mainstream rural clinics to ensure privacy and reduce stigma for those not ready to come out locally.

We also explore the unique dynamics of regional pride events and the importance of empowering local experiences over a one size fits all approach.

Given the growing crisis of mi...

Queer content creator and influencer Odus Moore joins us to unpack the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a voice for sexual health and harm reduction in the digital age.

Odus traces his journey from streaming on Twitch during lockdown to highlighting the intersection of entertainment and serious health advocacy.

We tackle the “influencer” label, the difficulty of securing ethical brand partnerships, and the necessity of values-based content creation in an increasingly polarised political landscape.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

Joel sits down with volunteers Phoebe and Leo to explore the power of giving back to the community in light of National Volunteer Week.

Phoebe shares her journey from a university student seeking purpose to a researcher supporting LGBTQ+ women’s health.

Leo discusses finding a safe haven in Melbourne after living in regions where queerness is criminalised.

We discuss how volunteering acts as a kind of “mental gym” that breaks down social isolation and fosters genuine human connection across diverse backgrounds.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ...

After the 2026 Women Deliver conference in Melbourne, we discuss what real inclusion looks like – does it mean simply inviting diverse voices to an existing table or dismantling the structure itself?

Rachel and Jordan in Melbourne are joined by Nikki Sullivan in Adelaide to explore the tension between tokenistic representation and the power of strategic coalition building across identity lines.

We also explore the presence of colonial and military frameworks within a feminist space, the unique visibility of intersex voices, and the urgent need to move beyond siloed identity politics toward issue-based alliances.

Check ou...

We discuss how HIV self-test vending machines are breaking down barriers to testing for vulnerable populations across Australia with Zara Boulton, National Project Officer for Connect.

From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to fears of stigma and discrimination, we explore the complex obstacles that prevent overseas-born individuals from accessing traditional testing services.

Connect’s innovative approach of offering free, discreet, and convenient testing through strategically placed machines has proven remarkably successful, with pilot data showing strong community uptake and overwhelmingly positive user feedback.

The national rollout now spans multiple states and territories, with local pr...

Regional communities face unique challenges when it comes to Hepatitis, other blood borne viruses (BBV), and sexual health, including access to services, workforce capacity, stigma, and visibility.

In light of this, LiverWell and Thorne Harbour Country are running a forum focused on strengthening healthcare workforce practices in Bendigo and surrounding communities.

This forum aims to take a practical approach, recognising that factors like regionality, sexuality, gender, culture and migration status all shape health outcomes.

On Well Well Well, we speak often about stigmatising experiences for LGBTIQA+ communities and people living with HIV in...

Over 35 arrests have been made by Victoria Police regarding LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes and coordinated online attacks against gay and bi+ guys.

These incidents, often facilitated by dating apps, have prompted a formal parliamentary inquiry into hate crimes across the state.

This episode features detailed insights from Victoria Police, Equality Australia, and La Trobe University’s ARCSHS on current reporting trends and safety protocols.

Learn exactly how the inquiry process works, why community evidence is vital for future policy, and how to make a submission before the May 1 deadline.

Check out our ot...

Emil Canita, an artist and advocate from Living Positive Victoria, joins Jack and Jake to discuss the intersection of creativity and health.

Many queer people living with HIV carry the weight of historical trauma, yet Australia’s epidemic has seen remarkably low mortality rates compared to global contexts.

The exhibition You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) at Collingwood Yards seeks to bridge the gap between art history and HIV advocacy, celebrating the resilience of the community while addressing the unique barriers faced by migrants and people of colour.

But how can we use ar...

Equinox Clinic’s practice manager Ellis Nardella joins us in light of the clinic passes ten years of delivering Trans healthcare in Melbourne.

They speak with Jack and Joel about the informed consent model that improved accessibility of gender affirming therapy replacement, the barriers that exist in accessing gender affirming healthcare, and Thorne Harbour Health’s work in building capacity for other GPs.

We also deep dive into Queensland’s decision to pause public access to puberty blockers until 2031 and the real-world consequences for families seeking gender affirming care.

Check out our other JOY Po...

As part of this live panel discussion recorded Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), we discuss how to tangibly support trans and gender diverse communities without falling into tokenism.

Our panel consists of:

Cal Hawk moderates the discussion which highlights the importance of listening to trans voices and sharing the burden of advocacy work.

We also...

Vivek from the Queer South Asians of Melbourne (aka QSAM) joins Jack and Chiron to explore the unique challenges and joys of navigating queer identity within South Asian communities.

We discuss isolation, cultural expectations, and how QSAM creates safe spaces through dance, film, theatre, and social events.

Vivek shares powerful stories about members finding their tribe and the importance of representation.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show...

Jorge from LAHRC to explore how the Latin American and Hispanic Rainbow Community addresses isolation among queer migrants in Australia.

Jack and Chiron speak with them about the group’s founding in 2016, their flagship Latinx Pride Festival, and cultural celebrations like Dia de los Muertos.

Jorge also shares his journey hosting Verbena Radio on JOY and how storytelling connects people across borders.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the sho...

Cam from Acceptance Melbourne joins us to discuss creating inclusive spaces for queer catholics.

They speak with Jack and Chiron about the group’s history and the increasing number of young people seeking faith communities that welcome them.

Cam also unpacks how their monthly mass serves as a bridge between the church and the queer community.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questio...

Anal cancer rates are rising worldwide, but particularly among gay and bisexual men and people living with HIV, where incidence is significantly higher.

We’re joined by Dr. Matthew Marino, a general and colorectal surgeon who offers high-resolution anoscopy screening in Melbourne.

He breaks down what anal cancer is, its causes and symptoms, and why certain communities face disproportionate risk.

We explore why screening options remain limited across Australia despite growing evidence and international guidelines supporting broader access.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at...

Many queer people living in suburban and regional Victoria struggle to access mental health care despite growing community needs.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals aim to fill this gap for people aged 26 and up in places like Melton and Dandenong.

But what are some of the considerations when serving diverse populations, managing logistical challenges, and building visibility in peri-urban areas?

Our guest is Rory, an LGBTQIA+ Specialist Mental Health Manager at Thorne Harbour Health.

They speak with Jack and Joel about why social connection matters for mental health outcomes and...

In light of International Women’s Day on March 8, we discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of LBQ+ women navigating cultural expectations.

Rachel and Molly kick off by reflecting on the pride festival season coming to an end, and the lingering comedown you may feel afterwards.

Smaller queer gatherings and creative activities can fill the gap left by large festivals, and we discuss how you can stay connected to your communities through art walks, hikes, book clubs, and more.

Dr Judy Tang also joins us to chat about the mental health impact of juggli...

Meredith from Chillout joins us to discuss Victoria’s longest‑running regional queer festival and teases out its evolution over three decades.

This modest grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone event for our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, and plays a pivotal role in fostering visibility and belonging in rural settings.

Shaped by both tradition and innovation, organising this multi‑day celebration isn’t easy given the limited resources Meredith and the team have to work with.

She speaks with Cal and Jack about how the Chillout team overcome funding constraints, regulatory requirements, and limited...