The Booth Juice Creative Podcast

🎄🥂 PORT DOUGLAS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT!

Round up your mates, leave the kids at home and get ready for a festive evening of shopping, drinks & good company! 🍾

Join us on Thursday 26th November for a little late-night Christmas shopping along Macrossan Street!

Our wonderful local businesses are keeping their doors open until 7:30pm, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy a drink, browse the shops, tick a few Christmas presents off your list and soak up the festive atmosphere!

🎟️ SHOP LOCAL & WIN BIG!

For every $20 spen...

What does wellness really mean, and is there more to it than we think?

In this episode of The Booth Juice, we sit down with Mechel Pearson, a Cairns-born massage therapist specialising in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, whose journey has taken her around the world exploring different cultures, healing practices and approaches to wellbeing.

From her adventures overseas to finding her passion for holistic healing, Mechel shares her story, challenges some common misconceptions about wellness and gives us a fresh perspective on what it means to truly look after ourselves.

We also dive...

The episode you've all been asking for is here! The tables are turned when we sit down with your usual host & owner of Maker Port Douglas, Raine Schacher.

We chat about Raine’s life before Maker and her early path into the film industry. From starting a photography business at just 14 to working on film sets from a young age, it seemed she was always destined to work in film and storytelling. But in 2020, everything changed.

Then we get into the six years of Maker, including the highs, the lows, the unexpected moments, meeting celebrities wi...

In Episode 5 of The Booth Juice, we sit down with incredible artist, curator and one of the pivotal figures in the Port Douglas art community, Chrissie McLaughlin. A Port Douglas local since the 1990s, Chrissie has spent decades immersed in the creative landscape of Far North Queensland, drawing inspiration from the incredible natural environment of Port Douglas and the Daintree.

Working across watercolour, natural pigments, acrylic and oil, Chrissie’s artwork reflects a deep connection to place and the ever-changing beauty of the tropics. Her work has been exhibited extensively, commissioned for private collections and resorts, and co...

From dreaming of becoming a pianist to becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after harpists, Loni Fitzpatrick’s musical journey took an unexpected turn; all because of a university audition.

With more than 10 years of experience and a classical foundation in harp performance, Loni has built an incredibly diverse career spanning classical, jazz and contemporary music. She’s performed with leading orchestras including the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria, shared stages with artists like Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan and Felix Riebl, and performed at festivals across Australia and internationally.

But these days...

From stacking supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland to creating one of Port Douglas' most empowering women's communities, Amy Millen's story is one of courage, resilience and taking chances. While Amy may not call herself a traditional creative, she's built something incredibly meaningful through LiftHer; a space where women feel seen, supported and strong.

In this episode, Amy shares how a six-week holiday to Australia unexpectedly turned into a whole new life in Port Douglas. She opens up about making the leap to stay permanently, meeting the love of her life and building a future she never imagined.<...

This week on Booth Juice, we're joined by the ever-inspiring Lisa Keller; founder of Event Diaries and Keller Diaries, and proof that you don't have to fit into just one box.

From radio and journalism to content creation, wedding content, event storytelling, and travelling the world, Lisa has built a career by saying yes to opportunities and following what excites her. She believes life is meant to be lived through many ventures, and her journey is a reminder that success doesn't have to look traditional.

We chat about how she built multiple brands, the power...

We're kicking off Season 2 with an incredible guest, Sydney-based artist Karina Jambrak.

From starting her career as a graphic designer to becoming one of Australia's most recognisable contemporary artists, Karina has built a global brand that's as inspiring as it is beautiful. With a community of more than 113,000 followers and her artwork stocked in homes, galleries and retailers around the world, she's turned creativity into a thriving international business.

In this episode, Karina shares the story behind her journey, what it really took to make the leap from design to full-time artist and the realities...

Grab the tissues of this one! 

We're saying goodbye to someone who has been such a huge part of the Maker journey; our incredible team member, Mykaylah. After three amazing years, we reflect on the memories, laughs, milestones and the impact she's had on our business, our team and our community. 

We also take a look back at everything that made Season 1 so special. From inspiring local stories and unforgettable guests to behind-the-scenes moments and plenty of laughs, we're celebrating how far Booth Juice has come.

But this isn't goodbye for long... Season Tw...

To wrap up Season 1, we sit down with Alex and Jade Forbes, the husband-and-wife team behind Pulse Nutrition in Port Douglas, to uncover the story behind one of Far North Queensland's fastest-growing supplement brands.

What started as a mission to create honest, effective sports nutrition has evolved into a business built on transparency, quality and community. Alex and Jade share the journey of building Pulse Nutrition from the ground up; from experimenting with formulations in their own kitchen to launching products that are trusted by athletes and everyday Australians alike.

We dive into the realities...

In Episode 21, we sit down with Amy and Abel, the couple behind the newly launched Dust n Tide; a brand and YouTube channel capturing the best of Far North Queensland life through fishing, camping, boating and 4WD adventures.

Growing up in FNQ, Amy and Abel developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the laid-back lifestyle the region is known for. We chat about their individual careers, from Amy's work as a hairdresser to Abel's role in marine vessel management and how a shared passion for adventure, storytelling and the outdoors inspired them to create Dust n...

This week on the podcast, we sit down with local artist gardener and hospitality entrepreneur Rachael Boon to explore a life shaped by creativity in all its forms. From painting and artistic expression to growing food, creating memorable dining experiences and building community through hospitality, Rachael shares how these passions have remained intertwined throughout her journey.

We chat about her lifelong relationship with art, how creativity has guided her personal and professional path, and the ways she finds inspiration in the natural world. Rachael also reflects on her years running Oaks Kitchen, where she offered intimate cooking...

In this episode, we sit down with the effortlessly stylish Janet Morris—interior designer, creative, and accomplished oil painter, for a conversation about building a life centred around creativity.

Fresh home from London, Janet shares the exciting experience of being part of a very special collaboration with Eco By Sonya, where her artwork was exclusively featured at the brand's London store opening. We chat about the journey that led to this incredible opportunity and what it was like seeing her work showcased on an international stage.

From designing beautiful interiors to creating expressive oil paintings, Ja...

Well, what a weekend! 12 girls in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation, riding horses on the beach, cowboy hat styling, whip cracking and roping, line dancing at the Lions Den and memories that'll last a lifetime with one hell of a bunch of girls that definitely knew how to have a good time. We spoke with Raine in this episode who owns Maker Port Douglas, who led our workshop and gave us a local welcoming to her amazing home town.

Listen now for what we got up too, including learning new things like, ant eating? haha!
<...

Episode 17 is a chaotic little April–May recap; from the Cowgirl Surf Club weekend to the whirlwind of the Brisbane Affordable Art Fair, plus all the highs, stress, last-minute scrambling and funny moments that made the past couple of months feel completely non-stop.

Alongside all the travel and events, the shop has also been packed with creativity, from in-store workshops and brow masterclasses to hat decorating workshops and hens party paint & sip classes. We also chat about the excitement of Port Douglas being ranked the #2 destination in Australia and everything else that’s been happening behind the scen...

Episode 16 welcomes Donna Ward; Maker’s in-house artist and someone whose life has been quietly, consistently shaped by creativity.

From chalkboard bedroom walls in her childhood to the way she now fills canvases with acrylic, Donna’s story is one of letting creativity evolve alongside life. What began as playful expression grew into a love of costumes, hosting, and creating spaces where people feel something - moments that are thoughtful, a little bit magical and always made with care.

That same creative instinct carried into the way she and her family have built their life, from...

Episode 15 is a powerful and  personal conversation with Port Douglas icon, Darren Wall - a man many locals know for his presence in the sporting community, but whose story goes far beyond the field.

In this episode, Darren opens up about his experience with cancer, the unexpected challenges it brought and the impact it has had on his life, including his journey with fertility. At the heart of it all is family; the unwavering support, the perspective it brings and the role it plays in shaping how he navigates life’s toughest moments.

He reflects on...

Episode 14 is your March recap with Raine and Mykaylah - a catch-up filled with laughs, chaos and everything in between.

From Raine successfully pulling off an April Fools prank on Kaylah, to navigating the wild weather of Cyclone Narelle, this episode captures the moments that made March anything but ordinary. There’s also a very fun throwback to a surprise 2000’s surfer-themed party (think nostalgic outfits and questionable fashion choices), plus a chat about some not-so-temporary tattoos that may or may not have been a good idea.

We also dive into everything that’s been happen...

Episode 13 is a conversation with Zoe, founder of Zoitza Jewellery in Melbourne -  and our first interstate guest, who kindly took time out of her holiday to chat with us (making this one feel extra special)

We chat about where it all began, from making beaded necklaces with her cousins as a kid to now creating playful, considered pieces across necklaces, bracelets and earrings. That early love for beading laid the foundation for what Zoitza has become today; a brand shaped by colour, individuality and personal expression.

Zoe shares her journey into jewellery design and t...

Episode 12 is a conversation with Shania from the Forever Reef Project; a powerful blend of science, conservation and hope for the future of our oceans.

We dive into what the Forever Reef Project is all about, from creating a living coral biobank to protecting and preserving coral biodiversity for generations to come. Shania shares the incredible work happening behind the scenes, what it means to “adopt a coral,” and how this world-first initiative is safeguarding reef species in the face of climate change.

We also chat about Shania’s own journey into marine conservation, the realit...

From South Australia to the tropical north, Indi and Bethan share their journey of taking a leap in their 20s to start a small Pilates studio and turning it into something much bigger. Today, Basement Fitness & Pilates is two thriving Pilates studios, a full gym, and a dedicated recovery room, built on a foundation of community, creativity, and doing things differently.

In this episode, we dive into their story: the early challenges of moving interstate, finding their unique approach to fitness and how they’ve built a welcoming, results-driven space for people of all ages and abilities. Th...

Episode 10 is a conversation with Steph & Dave from SEA Gallery; a story of creativity, evolution and building something truly their own.

From Steph’s early days painting for the markets, hauling two suitcases into town each time, to now sending original works to collectors all over the world, her journey is one of grit, consistency and creative belief. Alongside her, Dave’s path into photography unfolded organically after years in the wine industry, eventually finding his place behind the lens. Together, their individual journeys have intertwined to shape SEA Gallery into what it is today; a seamless blen...

Episode 9 – Saskia Turner | Bodies In Motion Dance School

In this episode we sit down with Saskia Turner, principal of Bodies In Motion Dance School in Mossman. Saskia shares the story of taking over the studio at just 21 and the leap of faith that came with stepping into such a big role so young.

We chat about her own dance journey, how the school has evolved since she took the reins in 2012, and the incredible growth of Bodies In Motion from humble beginnings to the thriving community it is today. Saskia also gives us in...

Episode 8 welcomes local wedding and funeral celebrant Anna Soltwedel to the podcast. Anna shares the story of how she found her way into celebrancy, and what it truly means to stand beside people during some of the most significant moments of their lives.

From joyful weddings to deeply emotional farewells, Anna talks about the responsibility, empathy and trust involved in guiding families through both celebration and grief. We dive into the personal side of her work, the connections she forms with clients, and the powerful perspective that comes from being part of someone’s final ch...

Episode 7 is a big, beautiful creative deep dive with Zoe Taylor; now officially stepping into her era as a full-time content creator.

Zoe chats through the many chapters that have shaped her: professionally singing and dancing, working as a travel agent, time spent on solar farms and at Wildlife Habitat, her candle making business and documenting it all along the way. She shares how each pivot added another layer to her creativity; and why no experience was ever wasted.

We also dive into her recent trip to the Maldives with Saxon Kent, the perspective shift...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tessa McMonnies, founder of Anchorline Australia and TS Print and Embroidery.

Born and raised in Far North Queensland, Tessa shares what it was like growing up in a tropical community that shaped both her lifestyle and creative perspective. From salty air and long days outdoors to the practical needs of living and working in the tropics, her environment has always influenced her designs.

After studying a degree in fashion design, Tessa returned home with a clear vision; to build brands that blend function, style and authenticity. In this ep...

In this February recap episode, Raine and Mykaylah from Maker Port Douglas share a behind-the-scenes look at their in-store workshops, the creative moments that filled the space, and why these sessions are quickly becoming a highlight of the month.

They also chat about what’s coming up in March, dive into an honest mental health segment with personal tips that have been helping them lately, and finish with some heartfelt listener shoutouts.

A cozy catch-up packed with creativity, community and real talk.

@maker_portdouglas

www.makerportdouglas.com/events

In this episode we sit down with Port Douglas abstract artist, Jacqueline Joosen, to explore the winding, personal path that shaped her creative life.

Originally from the Netherlands, Jacqueline shares the story of moving to Australia and building a new life in the tropics. Long before she found her voice in abstract painting, she worked as a sculptor and jewellery maker; drawn to texture, form and working with her hands. But in 2020, her arthritis forced her to step away from sculpture and metalwork, pushing her into an unexpected new chapter.

What began as a necessary...

In this guest episode, we sit down with Lana, the founder of Lana Nas Studio, to chat about the journey that took her from the Netherlands to tropical Port Douglas. Lana shares what inspired the move, how she built her business from the ground up in a new country and the moments that shaped her creative path along the way. We also dive into how she met her husband, the realities of starting fresh somewhere new and what life looks like now; balancing business, creativity and family life as a mum to her daughter in the tropics.

...

In this episode, we unpack what has been happening at Maker throughout January & what we're looking forward to in the upcoming weeks!

We also dive into behind-the-scenes moments like when Raine went unexpectedly viral, buying Maker's first company car & seeing where all your Maker goodies have ended up around the world! 

@maker_portdouglas @raine_ward_

In this episode, we unpack what has been happening at Maker throughout January & what we're looking forward to in the upcoming weeks!

We also dive into behind-the-scenes moments like when Raine went unexpectedly viral, buying Maker's first company car & seeing where all your Maker goodies have ended up around the world! 

@maker_portdouglas @raine_ward_

Welcome to The Booth Juice - the podcast poured straight from Maker Port Douglas.

Hosted by Raine and Mykaylah, we sit down with incredible local and Australian makers who are changing the game; sharing their stories, ideas and creative journeys. We’ll also keep you in the loop with what’s happening around beautiful Port Douglas; from new makers and local events to all the good stuff we think you’ll love. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on what’s coming up at Maker, including workshops, collabs and fresh...

In this episode of The Booth Juice, we sit down with in house artist, Donna Ward, to unpack how Maker was born in the uncertainty of 2020 and grew into the slow-living creative hub it is today. We talk early risks, big pivots, community support and the moments that shaped the store over the past five years. A candid behind-the-scenes look at building something meaningful, local and resilient in Port Douglas.

@donnawardcreative @maker_portdouglas

www.makerportdouglas.com