Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley

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In this episode, Chris sits down with Zenith Virago — long-time Northern Rivers local, celebrant, educator, and one of the leading voices around death, dying, and community-led funerals.

They talk about Zenith’s journey from working-class London to the North Coast in the 1980s, and how a life shaped by travel, community, and a deep sense of presence led her into working with death over the past three decades. From early experiences with loss to supporting families through some of life’s most confronting moments, Zenith shares how her work found her — and why...

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In this episode, Chris sits down with Elia Hauge — engineer, educator, environmentalist and Byron Shire councillor.

They talk about growing up between cultures, leaving and returning to Byron, and how a love of maths, music, and the environment shaped her path. From studying engineering and working in water systems to stepping into local politics, Elia shares how values, community, and place have guided her journey.

They discuss the realities of council life, the challenges facing the region, and what it means to make decisions for a community that cares de...

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In this episode, Chris sits down with Rachael Calvert.

Rachael shares her journey through major life changes, personal growth, and the experiences that have shaped the way she sees herself and the world around her. They talk about the realities of navigating uncertainty, the emotional weight that can come with big transitions, and what it takes to rebuild confidence and direction when life doesn’t go to plan.

Rachael also speaks about her work and the evolution of her brand, including what inspired her to create it, ho...

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In this episode, Chris sits down with Andy Plummer.

Andy reflects on growing up with a father in the military, a childhood shaped by movement, change, and the need to continually adapt. He talks about how those early experiences influenced his sense of identity and reinvention, and how creativity became a constant through periods of transition.

The conversation also explores Andy’s time working as a mining engineer, the contrast between technical work and creative expression, and how that chapter of his life helped clarify what he was missing an...

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In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Tait, author of Far Horizons, for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation about life, leadership, travel, and the experiences that shape us. Aaron shares his journey from a restless childhood in New Zealand to joining the military at just 17, the moral reckoning that followed his early deployments, and how travel, service, and storytelling became part of his healing.

We talk about Byron Bay as a place people are drawn back to, what good leadership really looks like, and how entrepreneurship, education, and community-led...

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Chris sits down with local real estate expert Su Reynolds to unpack the Byron Bay property market in 2025. Together they explore current trends, challenges, and opportunities, and share insights into what the early months of 2026 could look like for buyers, sellers, and the wider community.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tory Trewhitt - author, executive health coach, exercise physiologist and motivational speaker, who grew up in the Mornington Peninsula and has called Byron Bay home for the past nine years.

Tory shares the hard lessons that shaped him, from his early years at an all boys school to heading straight into university and eventually stepping into corporate health. After landing a role with Bupa in London, he worked across fitness-for-duty assessments, drug and alcohol screening and rehabilitation, gaining a close look at the pressures...

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In this episode, we sit down with Radek Sali - entrepreneur, former CEO and a leading figure in Australia’s health and wellness space.

Born in Scotland to an Albanian father and Czech mother, Radek grew up in Melbourne with strong influences in medicine, wellness and hard work. From managing a local cinema as a teenager to becoming CEO at just 27, he shares the early lessons that shaped his leadership and the decade that followed at the helm of a major business.

Radek talks about culture, re-imagining what business ca...

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In this episode, we sit down with Emma Hargraves - second-generation Byron Bay local, teacher and lifelong advocate for creativity and connection.

Born and raised in Byron, Emma shares stories of her early years, the teachers who shaped her, and how a love of English turned into a lifelong career. She reflects on what it’s really like inside the classroom, from the challenges young teachers face to the impact of technology and social media on students today.

Emma also speaks about her grandmother – founder of the Byron School of D...

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In this episode, we speak with Cleo Mundy, a 15-year-old student from Byron Bay who recently returned from a 4.5-month exchange in a small town in Greece. Cleo grew up in Sydney before moving to Byron at the age of four, and she’s currently a student at a local Steiner school - a place she describes as artistic, nurturing, and well-suited for those who learn at their own pace.

Cleo shares what inspired her to choose Greece for her exchange, the challenges of learning a new language, and what it wa...

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In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Richmond - a musician, voice artist and mother of four who’s built a creative life in Byron Bay.

Originally from Sydney, Tiffany moved to Byron ten years ago, drawn by its community and creative energy. A musician at heart, she toured the world with the band Sparkadia before finding her rhythm here. It wasn’t until she was 40 that surfing really clicked, and she shares what it’s like to find that flow, the inclusiveness of Byron’s surf community, and why the ocea...

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In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin Reilly - artist, gallery owner and co-founder of the Bangalow Station Street Co Op with Hugh Stewart.

Caitlin first came to Byron from Melbourne in 1997, where she’d spent years playing music before settling here for a decade. After completing a Bachelor of Arts, she moved to China in 2009 and lived there for six years before returning to start again from the ground up opening an art gallery beneath The Collective and, later, Gallery 3 in 2020.

She shares what it’s like to w...

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In this episode, we sit down with Che Devlin - a Byron Bay local shaped by family, travel and the hospitality industry.

Che’s story begins at Fig Tree, the Ewingsdale restaurant his parents opened in 1981. Growing up with three brothers, he remembers childhood days in the paddocks, the sound of the kitchen, and the sense of family that made the place unique.

At 19, Che set off with a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka, later travelling through Europe, India, Pakistan and Turkey, where he discovered how connected we all ar...

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In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Knight - one of Australia’s most celebrated writers and producers of film and television.

Raised in Burwood, Melbourne, Andrew recalls a “boring” childhood in the 1950s, a time still shadowed by the war, where his love of storytelling first took shape through plays and characters. A scholarship to Melbourne University and later Monash set him on the path to writing.

Andrew reflects on breaking into the industry, the early shows that gained attention, and the resilience needed to push through career...

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In this episode, we sit down with Sam Saulwick - co-founder of The Bread Social and long-time Byron Bay local with deep ties to the town’s hospitality scene.

Sam was born in Colombia and adopted by a Byron Bay family, moving here in 1983. His family quickly became part of the community, running the Beach Café from 1984 and later Oriental Express, one of the town’s go-to restaurants in the early 2000s. Growing up, Sam went to St Finbar’s and Trinity, and like many locals, found himself working in hospitality from a...

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In this episode, we speak with Linda Sparrow - long-time Bangalow local, former media buyer, and the passionate force behind Bangalow Koalas. Linda grew up in the Blue Mountains before building a life in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, eventually settling in Bangalow over two decades ago with her mum.

She shares reflections on the sense of belonging she found in the Northern Rivers, the value of community when starting fresh, and how her career in media led her to something entirely different. That ‘something’ is now one of the most impactful conser...

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In this episode, we speak with Steve Snow - celebrated seafood chef, founder of the iconic Fins Restaurant, and lifelong lover of food, family, and the ocean. Born on the Gold Coast and raised in Cronulla, Steve’s path didn’t start in the kitchen. He began with business and law, but quickly realised the corporate life wasn’t for him. What followed was a leap into a world where he could surf by day and cook by night.

Steve shares stories of learning to cook with his mum, working on boats...

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In this episode, we speak with Tim Watson-Munro, renowned criminal psychologist and author of Dancing with Demons and A Shrink in the Clink. Tim’s career began in Sydney, where he studied psychology at university before taking on the role of resident psychologist at Parramatta Gaol at just 25 years old.

He shares stories from his time working in the prison system, including the well-known “Day in Jail” program and his appearances on the Mike Walsh Show. His insights into the criminal mind, and what it really takes to turn a life around...

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In this episode, we speak with Amanda Gorvin, General Manager of the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Originally from the Central Coast, Amanda began her career in sport, working with the Queensland Reds in ticketing and membership. A trip to Lennox Head in 2005 left a lasting impression - she instantly felt at home.

Years later, during the COVID lockdowns, Amanda made the move to Lennox Head. She shares how that time shaped her connection to the community, including helping feed frontline workers with a small local team.

Amanda also gives...

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In this episode, we sit down with John Morgan - better known around town as Maddog - to explore his decades-long connection with Byron Bay, from the early surf scene to community service and everything in between.

John moved from Brisbane to Byron Bay in 1976 at just 19 years old, landing his first job at the local meat works. He takes us back to what the town was like in those early years - the people, the energy, and how he was welcomed by the local community. 

Over the years, Jo...

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In this episode, we sit down with Louise O’Connell, General Manager of the Byron Community Centre, to explore a life shaped by adventure, service, and a deep dedication to community.

Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Louise reflects on the winding path that brought her to Byron Bay, including a few years travelling overseas, where a quiet moment on a beach in Croatia became the turning point. Instead of returning to Newcastle, she followed a feeling and made Byron home.

Her career has long centred around community and conn...

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In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Cousins, a businessman-turned-environmental activist who has led major campaigns to protect Australia’s natural landscapes. From teaching teenagers at 19 to working in the corporate world, Geoff shares what ignited his passion for conservation and how he made the leap from business leader to activist. 

We talk about the challenges of bridging the gap between corporate and environmental sectors, his fight to establish the Great Koala National Park, and what it takes to stay resilient in the face of big challenges.

If you...

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In this episode, we sit down with Cody Greenwood, a passionate producer whose upcoming film Birth Right is set for release in late 2025. Cody opens up about her creative journey, from studying at an art school to diving into the world of filmmaking, and how she’s built a career in a constantly evolving industry. 

We dive into her experiences with film, including her childhood fascination with cameras and storytelling, and the powerful role passion plays in sustaining a creative career. Cody also reflects on the balance between motherhood and creativity, sha...

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In this episode, we sit down with Karen Gross, an educator, and passionate advocate for special education and disability inclusion. Originally from Paddington, Sydney, Karen’s journey took her from studying art teaching to raising twin daughters and pursuing a career in special education. She opens up about growing up in a creative family and how it influenced her approach to teaching and learning.

Karen shares what drew her to special education, highlighting how teachers are uniquely positioned to gain a deep understanding of communities. She also talks about the evolution of...

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Director of Higher Degree Research Training at Southern Cross Geoscience, Southern Cross University. Renaud's journey spans continents and disciplines, from his childhood in Paris to moving to the US at 15 to learn English, and ultimately finding his path in the world of research and academia.

With a deep passion for understanding human evolution and the environment, Renaud shares how his curiosity has driven his career, from developing cutting-edge techniques in archaeological science to exploring the mysteries of human diet and early...

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In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rosborg, co-founder of Rafiki Mwema, a non-profit dedicated to helping abused and at-risk children in Kenya. Born in Sydney and raised in the Northern Rivers, Sarah’s journey to creating Rafiki Mwema is nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a volunteer trip to Kenya in 2005 quickly became a life-changing mission to provide a safe haven for girls escaping the horrors of abuse.

Sarah shares the story of how she fell in love with Africa, and the moment she realised her calling was to...

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In this episode, we talk with Julianne Schultz, a journalist and board member of the Sydney Writers' Festival. Julianne is also the author of Idea of Australia. We discuss the challenges facing Australian politics, including why politicians seem afraid to take on public opinion and why real change feels so difficult to achieve.

We explore why Australian politicians seem so timid and hesitant to challenge public opinion, and why the country has yet to fully embrace stories of migration and diversity. Julianne shares her insights into the cultural and political barriers...

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In this episode, we sit down with Tony Cross, a passionate educator, and Principal at the Byron Bay Community School. Tony's journey to teaching began far from the beaches of Byron—he grew up in the rural town of Goondiwindi, Queensland, where childhood freedom shaped his values and perspective on life. 

After studying at UNE University in Armidale and then moving to Sydney for work, Tony made a life-changing decision in 2017 to call Bangalow home. Tony opens up about the moment he realised he wanted to be a teacher, sharing insights int...

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Join us for an insightful episode with Jeremy Burn, the owner of Bay Grocer in Byron Bay. Growing up in Taranaki, New Zealand, Jeremy’s path led him from hospitality to the dynamic world of retail.

After earning a Business degree in Communications, he found his footing in accounts receivable at a radiology clinic before diving into marketing. Jeremy opens up about the challenges of stepping into roles where he had little experience and shares tips on how to stand out in a competitive job market.

In this episode, we...

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Join us as we sit down with Paul Davis, an audiologist with over 30 years of experience dedicated to helping those with hearing disorders, particularly tinnitus. Growing up in Possum Creek in the late '70s, Paul embraced a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. After studying at Mullumbimby High School, he pursued a degree in hearing, paving the way for his impactful career.

In this episode, Paul shares his passion for exploring the complexities of tinnitus and sound. He reveals what inspired him to study this condition, the role of algorithms in improving...

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Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we sit down with the legendary Kate Ceberano to discuss her latest work, Unsung: A Compendium of Creativity. 

In this heartfelt exploration, Kate reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped her artistic journey, revealing the joys and challenges that inspire her music. As a powerful and vulnerable voice in the industry, she offers a profound insight into what it means to navigate life through song.

If you’d like to share your story with us or pro...

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Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we welcome journalist, author, and polymath Gideon Haigh for an intimate discussion about his latest works. 

From the poignant memoir My Brother Jaz to the gripping true crime investigation The Girl in Cabin 350 and the revealing biography The One Indiscretion of His Life, Haigh offers insights that transcend the cricket field. Explore the mind of one of Australia’s most prolific and insightful writers as he reflects on life, literature, and the stories that shape us.

If you’d like...

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Join us in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as we welcome authors Tim Baker, James Bradley, and Rebecca Huntley. 

Together, they delve into the groundbreaking 2023 legalisation of psilocybin and MDMA in Australia for treating depression and PTSD. This thought-provoking discussion explores the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health therapy and addresses the controversies surrounding their use.

If you’d like to share your story with us or provide feedback, please contact us via email at chrishanley@byronbayfn.com.

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Join host Chris Hanley in this live episode from the 2024 Writers Festival as he interviews Nick Bryant about his book, "The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself." Nick Bryant explains how the hate, divisiveness and paranoia we see today are a core part of America’s story

If you’d like to share your story with us or provide feedback, please contact us via email at chrishanley@byronbayfn.com

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Join us for an inspiring episode with Dan Ward, who shares his journey from childhood on Christmas Island to overcoming addiction and helping others find recovery.

Born in Melbourne and raised on Christmas Island, Dan navigated the challenges of fitting into new schools while moving frequently. He recounts surviving a category 3 cyclone in Vanuatu and struggling with identity and substance abuse for 25 years. A move to central Australia at 26 sparked his healing journey.

Now at The Buttery, a rehab centre in Bangalow, Dan shares insights into addiction recovery, acceptance...

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Join us as we sit down with Dr. Paul Thomas, a Newcastle-born nuclear medicine specialist now based in Byron Bay. Paul takes us on a journey from his medical training in Newcastle to his current work in the field of nuclear medicine. He offers a fascinating look into how problem-based learning at Newcastle University shaped his career and the intriguing science behind PET scans.

In this episode, Paul explores why certain cancers are more challenging than others and the curious connection between cancer and sugar. We also dive into his creative...

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Join us as we explore the life and wisdom of Dr. Howard Chilton, a leading neonatologist with a remarkable journey. Born in Yorkshire, Dr. Chilton’s path took him from the English countryside to Byron Bay, where he has embraced both the community and the coastal lifestyle.

In this episode, Dr. Chilton shares his experiences growing up in Yorkshire, his transformative time in Byron Bay, and his dive into the world of neonatal care. We discuss the incredible world of babies, the challenges of new parenthood, and the vital role of a...

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Embark on an inspiring journey with Jane Thomson OAM, the visionary founder behind the Australian Women in Wine Awards and The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society. In this episode, we explore Jane’s remarkable career evolution, from her influential role in the dynamic wine industry to her tranquil life in the Northern Rivers.

Starting out as a psychologist specialising in organisational psychology, Jane made a significant career shift, leaving the corporate world behind. We dive into her reflections on this transition, including her insights on emotional intelligence and how moving from city life...

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Join us for an engaging conversation with Guntis Sics, a visionary sound engineer whose career has spanned continents and decades. Originally from Sydney and his first language being Latvian, Guntis takes us through a fascinating journey, including a touching reunion with his father and grandmother in Russia in 1975.

With an impressive portfolio that includes working with renowned bands like Africa, as well as major institutions such as the ABC, Channel 7, and Four Corners, Guntis reflects on how his career in sound engineering has evolved. His transformative time at Four Corners and...

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Steve Wyatt, a former development economist who transitioned to journalism and now calls Byron Bay home. From his early days in Sydney to his impactful years in London managing global coffee and cocoa trade, Steve’s journey is both fascinating and inspiring.

In this episode, Steve shares his experiences in development banking, his shift to journalism at age 40, and his move to the beautiful Byron Bay. He also discusses the inspiration behind his latest book, Rainforest Warriors, and the crucial lessons he’s learned abou...