Saturday Magazine

Macca, Paul and Kenny talk to Adam about Mr Australasia Bear 2025.

Held annually during the Southern HiBearnation festival is the highly anticipated Mr Australasia Bear competition!  This event stands as a crowning moment in the Australasian Bear calendar, where winners from various regional and state competitions converge to compete for the coveted title of Mr Australasia Bear. Held at VicBears home den, The Laird Hotel, the competitors battle it out over three rounds, as they showcase their Charisma, Originality, Courage, and Knowledge over three rounds, Bear Wear, Bear Minimum and Bear Fantasy OR Talent. A panel of fo...

Next we’re joined by creative strategist and advertising insider Oskar Westerdal — aka Vesterdahl — here to talk about the fine line between Pride support and rainbow washing in brand land.

Oskar Westerdal is a Creative Partner at Akcelo, a leading experience and creative agency known for major campaigns across entertainment, lifestyle, and tech brands.

Under the creative name Vesterdahl, he brings bold thinking and cultural insight to branding work with clients across Australia and globally.

He’s joining the show to discuss “rainbow washing” — when brands adopt LGBTQIA+ imagery during Pride without backing it up with rea...

Joining us now is Josh Reid Jones, founder of the Just Be Nice Project — a national initiative using empathy, dignity and practical help to build a better world. He’s a social impact specialist with heart

Josh Reid Jones founded the Just Be Nice Project, a social enterprise dedicated to making help accessible and sustainable for people in need — regardless of background, gender, or identity.

Known for championing practical kindness through systemic change, he works with schools, businesses, and government bodies to improve how people fall through the cracks and how society responds.

A fr...

Our next guest is from the Safer Communities Division of Victoria Police — working to strengthen trust, visibility, and inclusion for LGBTIQA+ communities. Please welcome Jeremy Oliver.

Jeremy Oliver works within Victoria Police’s Safer Communities Division, focusing on engagement with diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ Victorians.

A key liaison for policing and community safety initiatives during events such as Midsumma, Pride March, and IDAHOBIT.

Involved in efforts to rebuild trust with LGBTQIA+ communities, acknowledging past harms and promoting inclusive policing practices.

Actively supports Victoria Police’s participation in Pride events while facili...

He’s a comedian, composer, author, and ABC favourite whose sharp wit has taken him from Parliament House to parenting mishaps — we’re thrilled to welcome Sammy J to Saturday Magazine!

Sammy J (Samuel McMillan) is an award-winning comedian known for his political satire, musical comedy, and solo and duo acts (notably with puppet Randy).

Hosted ABC Radio Melbourne’s Breakfast show until 2023; now creates regular satirical video sketches for ABC News and social media.

Known for shows like Playground Politics, Sammy J’s Democratic Party, and the sitcom Sammy J & Randy in Rickett...

Our next guest is Michael Galea, Victorian Labor MP for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region. He’s been a strong voice in Parliament on transport, equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights since being elected in 2022.

 Elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in 2022, representing the South Eastern Metropolitan Region.  A member of the ALP’s progressive left faction, and openly supportive of LGBTQIA+ communities. Serves as Co-Chair of the Victorian Government’s LGBTIQA+ Ministerial Taskforce, working on policy development, safety, and inclusion. Active on local issues such as transport infrastructure, access to healthcare, and multicultural community support.

Michael...

Co-hosting our special Hour of Power this week is one of the youngest MPs in Victoria’s Parliament — a fierce advocate for animals, equality, and progressive policy — it’s Georgie Purcell MP!

Georgie Purcell is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, representing the Northern Victoria Region for the Animal Justice Party, elected in 2022 at just 30 y/o.
Prior to entering Parliament, she worked in communications, advocacy, and policy — and has a strong background in animal welfare campaigning.
Georgie is one of the most openly progressive MPs in the Vic Parliament, outspoken on animal rights, gender equ...

Macca and Nevena talk to Kenny Hill – Executive performance coach at Redline Coaching, advertising agency founder, and co-producer of JOY94.9’s Saturday Magazine.

He brings over two decades of experience at the top of the advertising industry from London to Sydney and Melbourne, having led major multinational client business and founded one of Australia’s most successful independents, Akkomplice – an agency he built from scratch and sold after ten years of growth. Throughout his career, Kenny experienced first-hand the thrill and cost of high performance, coming close to burnout himself.

Now an ICF-accredited coach and certified...

Nevena and Macca talk to Dr. Hector Georgiou about Australia’s Shortage of Sperm.

Dr Hector Georgiou is a leading fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF, where he works at the forefront of assisted reproductive technologies. With a warm, inclusive approach, Dr Georgiou is especially committed to helping LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples build families. He’s raising the alarm about a growing national shortage of sperm donors—an issue that affects thousands of people hoping to conceive. In his clinical and public advocacy work, he stresses the need for increased donor awareness, better access, and reforms to support equita...

Nevena and Macca talk to  Peter Kurti – Centre for Independent Studies: The End of Tolerance

Peter Kurti is a senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies and an outspoken commentator on religion, ethics, and civil society. He’s the author of The End of Tolerance, which examines the growing tension between freedom of expression and efforts to regulate offensive or ‘intolerant’ views in contemporary society. Peter argues for the importance of maintaining open dialogue—even when it’s uncomfortable—and warns against the unintended consequences of policing belief and speech. With a background in both law and theology, Pe...

Nevena and Macca talk to Ali Khan, live in the studio.

Ali Khan is a 2019 Churchill Fellow and a passionate advocate for addressing domestic violence in LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly among gay men. A survivor himself, Ali travelled across the globe researching how different countries approach family and intimate partner violence within same-sex relationships. His findings have informed groundbreaking policy recommendations in Australia, highlighting the need for inclusive support services and greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by queer men. Ali now works with organisations and community leaders to create safer environments and provide culturally sensitive pathways...

Lord Mayor Nick Reece, University  of Melbourne, Principal Fellow, Melbourne School of Government, talks to Nevena and Macca about the Break Up of the Musk and Trump Bromance, what’s happening...

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The post Saturday, 7th June, 2025: Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Uni of Melbourne, Principal Fellow, Melb. School of Government. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The two first guests for this week are a young Queer couple taking Tiktok by storm, Macca and Nevena talk to Taz and Alessia, queer content creators and partners known for their relatable and empowering videos on TikTok, where they’ve built a loyal following of a million fans. Off the screen, they’re passionate advocates for mental health, respectful relationships, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. The duo has recently partnered with the Comfort Zone initiative—a national campaign designed to help young people set and respect boundaries in their relationships. With warmth, honesty, and humour, Taz and Alessia are helping a new ge...

Nevena and Macca are back in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news, views and reviews of the week that was.

The post Saturday, 7th June, 2025: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and Macca. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca talk to Angelo Baronessa, Director and Wealth Advisor at Divergent Wealth–End of Financial Year planning and smarter financial strategies.

Angelo began his working career in 2013 as a risk insurance consultant, before becoming a licensed Financial Adviser in 2018.

He is highly customer-centric with a strong and comprehensive understanding of financial planning strategies, in particular superannuation, retirement, risk (life insurance), and investments.

During this time, he has provided advice to mums and dads, young people, retirees, well-known CEOs, and even a Senior Federal Minister!

Angelo has completed all...

Fiona and Macca are joined live in the studio by Damien Rullo, Damien Rullo, International Flight Attendant Day!

Damo trained as an actor in LA and continues in his acting career. He’s also been a comedian, a travel agent and is now working as cabin crew and is flying the country!  Damo is also a long-term volunteer and JOY Daytimes presenter at JOY.

The post Saturday, 31st May, 2025-Damien Rullo, International Flight Attendant Day! appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Fiona talk to David Pocock, Ind, Sen, ACT,

Macca and Fiona spoke to Senator Pocock about election results; balance in Senate; push for action on climate and housing; support for the LGBTIQA+ community

David Pocock, raised in Gweru, Zimbabwe,  moved to Australia as a teenager and played for the Australia National Rugby Team. He was primarily an openside flanker, and was vice-captain of the Brumbies in Super Rugby. After retirement, Pocock worked as a conservationist and social justice advocate. In 2022 Australian federal election, Pocock ran as Independent Senator for the Australian Capital Territory’s t...

Fiona and Macca talk to Casey Annetts, Home Lending Exec, NAB, Executive, Proprietary Lending SANTWA, as they discuss Home buying trends, help for first home buyers, what to look for...

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The post Saturday, 31st May, 2025: Casey Annetts, Home Lending Exec, NAB, Executive, Proprietary Lending SANTWA, Home Buying Trends appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Fiona talk to Wayne Smith, from the Smart Energy Council, about what’s likely now post-election, in terms of energy
policy and climate goals.

Wayne Smith is a political strategist who helps shape and develop the tactics for the Smart Energy Council.

A professional lobbyist and policy advisor, Wayne also plays a wider role in guiding the Smart Energy Council policy and presenting industry submissions.

As manager of Government Relations, Wayne Smith is responsible for policy, advocacy, strategy and campaigning across the organisation.

Wayne has held senior roles in...

Fiona and Macca talk to Sarah Witty, recently elected ALP member for Melbourne, as they discuss election results, focus for her first term, thoughts on coalition chaos, commitments to the LGBTIQA+  community

Sarah Jane Witty is an Australian politician who was elected to the Australian House of Representatives for the at the 2025 Australian federal election, for the Division of Melbourne. In the election, Witty defeated Adam Bandt, the leader of the Australian Greens, who had held the seat of Melbourne since 2010.

Sarah Witty is a foster parent of ten years, a Richmond local of over tw...

Macca and Fiona talk to Mish Ketchell, Editor-in-Chief, of the Conversation as they discuss Coalition fall-out and latest top stories.

Misha is the Editor of The Conversation Australia and New Zealand. He has been an editor and journalist for more than 25 years. He was the founding editor of The Big Issue Australia and editor of Crikey, The Reader and The Melbourne Weekly. He was also a reporter and feature writer at The Age and also worked at the ABC where he was a TV producer on Media Watch and The 7:30 Report and an editor on The Drum.<...

Macca is back this week with Fiona Patten, in her new monthly spot as co-host.

Fiona and Macca discuss the week that was, federal, state and local politics and so much more.

Fiona Heather Patten is an Australian politician. She was the leader of Reason Australia and was a member of the Victorian Legislative Council between 2014 and 2022, representing the Northern Metropolitan Region, until she lost her seat at the 2022 state election.

The post Saturday, 31st, May, 2025: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Fiona Patten. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena interviews Osman  Faruqi was the culture news editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age between February 2022 and August 2024.] Previously he was Schwartz Media‘s head of audio, presenter of The Culture podcast, and editor of daily news podcast, 7am. He worked as the deputy editor of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation‘s ABC Life and as a reporter with the ABC’s investigative audio program, Background Briefing, and was the former political editor at Junkee. He is also known as a contributor to The Guardian, The Saturday Paper and others.

What’s the current mood in Melbourne’s hospital...

Nevena and Osman talk to Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health, UNSW Sydney, ‘Extreme Online Masculinity and Fitness”

Some of the topics covered are:

Nevena and Osman talk to Lucio Riberio, Leading AI advisor and Forbes Magazine Contributor– AI advances and what we should be excited about (or not!) Lucio has held senior executive...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Lucio Ribeiro, Leading AI advisor and Forbes Magazine Contributor– AI advances and what we should be excited about (or not!) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Peter Khalil, join Nevena and Osman in Peter’s regular monthly slot, as they discuss the election result and his re-lection campaign, + his priorities as Assistant Minister for Defence.

The post Saturday, 25th May, 2025: Peter Khalil, Labor Wills MP + Assistant Minister for Defence appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Osman talk to Kieran Rooney, from The Age, about the State Budget. Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. Image courtesy of the The...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Kieran Rooney – The Age – VIC State Budget Analysis appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Osman talk to Vicki Ward, Labor Minister for Equality: latest in the Equality portfolio, Budget discussion.

The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Vicki Ward, Labor Minister for Equality: latest in the Equality portfolio. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

This week Nevena is in the hosting hotseat along with  Pakistani-born Australia, political and entertainment journalist, Osman Faruqi, Their first guest for the week was Aiv Puglielli, Greens MLC for...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Aiv Puglielli, Greens MLC for North Eastern Metro-Victoria State Budget appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are joined live in the studio by Frances Atkinson, an avid reader, freelance writer, book reviewer (The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald) and works as a Media Adviser.  

The Language of Limbs by Australian Dylin Hardcastle

Open, Heaven by Sean Hewitt

and Queer Classic: Tales of the City by Amistead Maupin, which has been re-released to attract a new audience.

Book news: Jeanette Winterson is returning to Melbourne for a Wheeler Centre event on 24 May to talk about her work – whic...

Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust is an exhibition of paintings by Australian artist Sidney Nolan presented by Melbourne Holocaust Museum. The collection includes 56 works of Nolan’s 1961 paintings of Auschwitz victims and, exhibited for the first time, his later works depicting the Ravensbrück women’s Holocaust camp.

Sidney Nolan’s engagement with the Holocaust began in 1961, following the trial of Nazi perpetrator Adolf Eichmann and a visit to Auschwitz. What followed was a deeply personal artistic response, as Nolan created a series of raw and emotional works reflecting his traumatic encounter with the atrocities of Ausc...

 Joining us are the brilliant minds behind the Queer Cities exhibition at Melbourne Design Week – welcome Professors Gene Bawden and Jess Berry from Monash University!

Queer Cities is an exhibition that addresses issues of LGBTIQA+ inclusion through spatial interventions that preserve queer heritage — past, present and future. Visualising LGBTIQA+ visibility in public space is an important factor in making urban environments feel more inclusive. Recognition of the presence of queer people and their heritage in public space not only means that LGBTIQA+ people see themselves represented, making diversity visible helps public spaces become more accessible for other margin...

Nina was elected to the Legislative Assembly in November 2022, and is the Parliamentary Secretary for Education. She previously served as a member of the Legislative Council from 2018-22, where she held the role of Government Whip.

Before entering Parliament, Nina was a member of the Glen Eira City Council. She had previously worked for the Community and Public Sector Union, completed articles in law at a corporate law firm, and volunteered at the Women’s Legal Service.

Her first jobs were as a schoolteacher and in long-term disease management portfolios in the pharmaceutical industry. She is...

 Rachel Westaway is the Liberal Member for Prahran, elected in February 2025. With a background in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and as former Assistant Freedom of Information Commissioner for Victoria, she brings extensive experience in public service. Rachel has lived in South Yarra for 20 years and is actively involved in the community, including serving as President of the Thai Australian Chamber.

The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Rachel Westaway MP – Liberal Member for Prahran appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kicking off the show is a passionate advocate for health equity and social justice – re-elected Member for Cooper and newly-appointed Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for Prevention of Family Violence – welcome back to JOY 94.9, Ged Kearney!

 Ged Kearney is the Federal Member for Cooper and serves as Assistant Minister for Social Services and Asst Min for Prevention of Family Violence, under Tanya Plibersek. Formerly the ACTU President, she has been a consistent voice for workers’ rights, public healthcare, and progressive policy. Ged has been a vocal ally to LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly in health equity and age...

Macca and Kenny Hill are in the hosting seats this week as they dissect the week that was in news, views, reviews, politics and the still on going election results.

The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Kenny appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Macca talk to Max Primer.

Nominations have opened for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. Do you know an LGBTQIA+ elder who deserves to be platformed?

For more than 30 years, the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have celebrated the contributions and achievements of older Victorians.

Platforming people over 60 who share their skills, time and energy with the community.

This year, the awards include a new category, the Emerging Impact Award.

Recognising an individual who is new to volunteering and is making a significant impact in t...

Macca and Nevena talk to Bill Calder & Graham Willett, Australian Queer Archives, live in the studio.

The Australian Queer Archives (AQuA) (formerly the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives – ALGA) is a community-based non-profit organisation committed to the collection, preservation and celebration of material reflecting the lives and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, (LGBTIQA+) Australians.

The Archives was established as an initiative of the 4th National Homosexual Conference, Sydney, August 1978, drawing on the previous work of founding President Graham Carbery.

Since its establishment the collection has grown to ov...

Nevena and Macca talk to Angus Crowther, about the importance of Joy and federal election result break-down.

A co-founding Director of Tanck, Angus brings with him a significant understanding of the political process and executive functions of government. Having worked directly to minsters as a policy and political advisor, Angus understands the inner workings of government decision making and brings this knowledge and understanding with him to every engagement.

Angus spent the better part of his ministerial career working within the social portfolios of education, communities, disability services and seniors, as well as being an...

Macca and Nevena talk to Simon Ruth, CEO Thorne Harbour Health, live in the studio,  about what Joy means to him and Health Updates.

The post Sat,10th May, 2025: Radiothon Edition, Simon Ruth, CEO Thorne Harbour Health. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.