Beyond Reality: Conversations with the People Behind Reality TV and Unscripted Entertainment
Love reality TV? Go behind the scenes with Beyond Reality: the podcast that dives into the world of unscripted television through conversations with the people who make your favourite shows.Hosted by Australian TV producer Hayley Ferguson, each episode features candid interviews with industry professionals, from producers and directors to editors, crew, and on-screen personalities.Whether you’re dreaming of a career in television, already working in the industry, or just obsessed with what happens behind the camera, this podcast offers real insights into how TV gets made. Discover the career paths of industry insiders with stories you won’t hear...
Post Executive Producer - Sophie Johnston | The Real Housewives of London, Made In Bondi & Byron Baes
This is Beyond Reality, the podcast that explores the world of television production by chatting to the people behind the tv shows you love. In this episode, I sit down with Post Executive Producer Sophie Johnston. Sophie’s career began in music television before she moved into unscripted TV, working across field and post-production on hit shows like My Kitchen Rules (MKR), House Rules, and The Great Australian Bake Off. Along the way, she built a wealth of experience in structured reality, playing a key role in shaping shows like Netflix' Byron Baes, Made in Bondi (Australia's ans...
Reality TV Personality - Luke Toki | Australian Survivor, Big Brother VIP, The Traitors
Beyond Reality is the podcast that explores the world of television production by chatting to the people behind the TV shows you love. In this episode, I’m joined by reality TV fan favourite, Luke Toki. Luke first appeared on on Australian Survivor back in 2017, and quickly made his mark as the loveable larrikin with dynamic gameplay. Luke was the first player to return for a second season, now he’s set to take on the game for a third time in the upcoming season Australia vs The World.
Outside of Survivor, he’s cemented his place in the...
Creative Director, ITV Studios Australia - Alex Mavroidakis | Love Island Australia, I'm A Celebrity, Big Brother & More
In this episode of Beyond Reality, Hayley Ferguson is joined by TV executive and ITV’s Creative Director, Alex Mavroidakis. Alex has played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian versions of some of the most popular global reality formats, including Big Brother, Love Island, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Alex unpacks his remarkable career in unscripted television - from navigating the fast-paced world of 24-hour turnaround TV, to the bold creative choices involved in rebooting iconic formats. Plus, the story behind the time he convinced one of Australia’s most famous celebrit...
Podcast Host, Founder of Rob Has A Podcast (RHAP) and Survivor Legend - Rob Cesternino
In this episode I’m joined by the king of reality TV podcasting and founder behind Rob Has A Podcast - Rob Cesternino. Rob may have first drawn attention for his memorable appearance on Survivor Amazon as a wisecracking self-deprecating 24 year old back in 2003 but in the last 15 years, he’s emerged as one of the most influential voices in reality TV coverage. Rob shares his story of how he turned his passion for television and broadcasting into an award winning podcast network with a highly engaged community of TV fans and how he stays motivated all these years on.<...
Head of Unscripted Production, BBC Studios Australia - Arianna Gusi | Dancing With The Stars, Top Gear & More
In this episode I sit down with Arianna Gusi, Head of Unscripted Production at BBC Studios Australia. We unpack her impressive career journey, from her early years learning the ropes and climbing the ranks of the industry in the UK, to leading production on TV’s biggest shows back in Australia including The Voice, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars and Top Gear. Ari shares her valuable insights from the last 30 years, plus her take on the misconceptions people often have about the production side TV.
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Senior Story Producer and Former Nickelodeon Star - Mounya Wise | Masterchef Australia, Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars
In this episode, I chat to Senior Story Producer and former Nickelodeon star Mounya Wise. Mounya spent a decade lighting up UK screens as a kids TV presenter but since moving to Australia, she’s made her mark behind the scenes, producing shows like Masterchef, Dessert Masters, Australian Survivor and The Block. From interviewing Hollywood A-listers and test-driving the world’s best theme parks, to leading and nurturing teams of field producers on reality sets, Mounya’s passion for the TV industry has never waivered.
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Series Producer - Danielle Vos | Gogglebox Australia, One Born Every Minute, Struggle Street
In this episode I’m joined by Series Producer Danielle Vos. Dani spent the early years of her career in production before turning her talents to producing, where she has gone from strength to strength working in the factual and observational documentary space.
Dani’s credits include Struggle Street, Air Rescue, One Born Every Minute and more recently Gogglebox Australia. I find out how Dani’s passion for connecting with contributors and delving deeper into storytelling are the keys to what drive her in the TV industry.
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Senior Producer and Wellness Supervisor - Emma Ritchie | The Amazing Race, Alone Australia, The Voice
In this episode, I chat to Emma Ritchie, a Senior Producer and Wellness Supervisor, who has worked on shows including The Amazing Race, Alone and The Voice.
Emma reveals how she's been able to combine her passion for health and wellness with her career in TV as well as the strategies she uses to maintain work-life balance in such fast-paced industry. Plus, the story of one serendipitous gumtree purchase that changed everything.
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If you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to the following episodes:
Head of Unscripted, I...
Head of Unscripted Television, ITV Studios Australia - Keely Sonntag | The Voice, Alone Australia, Australian Survivor
In this episode, I sit down with TV executive and ITV Studios Australia's Head of Unscripted, Keely Sonntag. Keely is a formidable force of the television industry, over the course of her career she’s been at the helm of countless iconic formats including Big Brother, Australian Survivor Shark Tank and Australia’s Next Top Model. Keely shares valuable insights from an impressive career in TV and discusses why fostering a positive culture is central to her leadership style.
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Supervising Producer & Co-Convenor Women In Media, NSW - Dominique Spanos | Stars On Mars
In this episode I chat to Supervising Producer Dominique Spanos, whose impressive list of credits includes Stars on Mars, Travel Guides and My Kitchen Rules.
Dom shares her story of starting out in the industry, building her career across field and post production, as well as shining a light on her important work with not-for profit organisation Women In Media.
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To get in touch with Dominique about her MC work, head to www.dominiquespanos.com or find her on Instagram @dominiquespanosmc.
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Casting Director - Kirsty de Vallance | Masterchef Australia, SAS, The Biggest Loser
In this episode, I sit down with Casting Director and Co-owner of A Cast Of Thousands, Kirsty De Vallance. With close to three decades in the industry, Kirsty is one of the most experienced casting professionals in Australia and when it comes to finding TV talent for reality, factual and entertainment formats, you name it - she’s cast it.
Kirsty reveals her top tips for getting cast on TV, the high profile names she’s discovered over the years and, the extraordinary lengths she goes to in search of next big reality stars.
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Film and TV Director - Hayley MacFarlane | Love Island Australia, Big Brother & Netflix’ Dive Club
In this episode, I’m joined by Film and TV Director, Hayley MacFarlane. Hayley has spent the last 10 years directing some of the UK and Australia’s biggest reality hits such as Love Island, Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. I find out how Hayley’s fierce determination to make it as a director has propelled her success and how her work in reality TV has positively influenced her work in other genres.
To explore more of Hayley's directing work, head to https://www.hayleymacfarlane.com/
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Head of Global Formats, Eureka Productions - Wes Dening | The Floor, The Mole, Stars on Mars & More
In this episode, I sit down with TV executive Wes Dening, a powerhouse of the television industry who has made his mark in developing, selling and producing original content in Australia, the US and beyond. In his current role as Head of Global Formats for Eureka Productions, Wes oversees the making of hit shows such as Australian Idol (Seven Network), The Mole (Netflix), The Floor (Fox) and Stars On Mars (Fox).
We chat about his first taste of television as a contestant on Big Brother back in 2004, how he learnt the business of TV in o...
TV Personality - George Mladenov | Australian Survivor, The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition
Just like a great reality TV twist, this episode is a little bit different. I chat with TV personality George Mladenov or as he’s more commonly known by Survivor fans, King George.
I find out how George went from a bold and sometimes brash political operative to a two-time Australian Survivor player who cemented themselves as one of the most strategic players the game has ever seen.
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If you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to a recent episode recorded with David Forster. Dave is an executive pr...
Supervising Post Producer and Writer - Bri La Rance | Australian Survivor, The Traitors & Neighbours
In this episode, I’m joined by Supervising Post Producer and Writer, Bri La Rance. Bri’s drive and determination to learn new skills led her to explore a diverse range of film and TV roles before more recently forging a path in post production, but as I find out, it’s her passion for storytelling that underpins everything she does.
Over the course of Bri's impressive career, she has worked in the writers room on Australian drama shows including Neighbours and Bite Club. More recently, her work in post production has included shows such as Australian Surviv...
TV Presenter & Two-Time Reality TV Show Winner - Liz Cantor | The Mole & Livingstone Botswana
In this episode, I’m joined by TV presenter and two-time reality TV show winner (The Mole and Livingstone Botswana), Liz Cantor as she shares her unique insights from an enduring career in front of the camera. Whether she’s delivering the winning lotto numbers, fronting stories on the best travel and adventure spots or dominating any reality competition she enters, Liz’s passion and enthusiasm for her work always shines through.
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Executive Producer - Leroux Botha | Survivor South Africa
In this episode, I’m joined by Leroux Botha, the Creative Producer for Cape Town based production company AfrOkaans and Executive Producer for Survivor South Africa.
Leroux shares his incredible journey in television from his early years working on soap operas, to becoming the instrumental force in returning Survivor South Africa to our screens in recent years.
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Series Producer - Natasha Pizzica | Gogglebox, Playschool, Teletubbies
In this episode, I catch up with Natasha Pizzica, a series producer who’s worked across a range of genres from primetime entertainment shows like Big Brother and Gogglebox to iconic kids television such as Playschool and Teletubbies, and even though-provoking docuseries like Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. I find out how Tash’s theatre background set her up for a career of creativity, how she navigates the busy world of tv production as a working mum and why her son is her biggest inspiration.
You can access Natasha's series she developed for the ABC here: https://iview.abc.n...
Editor - Karen Crespo | Masterchef Australia & Australian Survivor
In this episode, I chat with award-winning editor, Karen Crespo, who has been responsible crafting some of the most memorable moments on our favourite shows such as Masterchef, Australian Survivor and Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.
I find out about Karen’s early beginnings in TV and how her creative style and ability to carve out emotional moments became renowned in the industry.
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Executive Producer - David Forster | Australian Survivor & Masterchef Australia
In this episode, I sit down with Executive Producer, David Forster. David’s first taste of reality TV is not what you’d expect, he tells me all about his unconventional introduction to the industry, how he later honed his skills on set as a writer and the key moments along the way that ultimately led to his rise to the top job on Masterchef and Australian Survivor.
If you enjoyed this podcast and want to stay up to date with the latest episodes then click 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on Spotify. You can also find...
Television Industry Mentoring Initiatives - Panel Discussion hosted by The Production Portal
In this bonus episode, I share a recent collaboration with The Production Portal where I joined Emma Ritchie along with Bloomtime Media’s, Yana Groves and Laura Young from Coordimate for a panel discussion about Industry Mentoring Initiatives in television. I hope you enjoy this special edition of the podcast.
If you want to find out more about The Production Portal and the other guests from this panel. You can find them on Instagram:
@theproductionportal
@cordimatetv
@bloomtime_media
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Executive Producer of Floor is Lava / President of A. Smith & Co. Productions - Frank Sinton
In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sinton, President of A. Smith & Co. Productions and Executive Producer of Floor Is Lava to talk about the launch of series 2 of the hit show on Netflix. Frank shares his insights from an impressive 40 year career in television that now sees him at the helm of a whole slate of TV shows. We chat about the key ingredient for making it in the industry, how he stays passionate after all these years and a behind the scenes moment that could have been one big hot mess…
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...Art Director and Challenge Producer - Courtney Watts | Survivor South Africa, Australian Survivor, Big Brother
In this episode, I chat with South African Art Director and Challenge Producer Courtney Watts. Courtney has worked on some of the most popular reality formats such as Big Brother, Survivor and I’m a Celebrity across a number of global territories. I find out how Courtney’s passion and creativity led her to an international career in TV.
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Post Producer & Story Producer - Amelia Wasserman | The Bachelorette Canada, Storage Wars, Australian Survivor
In this episode, I sit down with post producer and story producer Amelia Wasserman who spent years working in the field on shows such as The Bachelorette , Four Weddings and Storage Wars in Canada before more recently moving to Australia where she now works as a post producer. Amelia shares her story from the early years of working in broadcast news, her experiences on reality and factual formats in Canada and Australia and even reveals the story behind her very famous prom date…
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Supervising Producer - Katie Horbury | Love Island US & Australia, Big Brother UK, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
In this episode, I catch up with supervising producer Katie Horbury, originally hailing from the UK she now calls LA home and her career in television has seen her work on huge formats such as Big Brother, Love Island and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here across multiple international markets. I chat to Katie about the challenges of starting out, why she values the balance of working in the field and in the edit and how her passion and determination has led her to where she is now.
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Producer - Andrea Rehrig | Survivor, Australian Survivor
In this episode, LA-based producer Andrea Rehrig joins me to chat about her career in television, from her early days at E! Entertainment and Laguna Beach to producing on both US and Australian Survivor. She shares her story about how her passion for people led her to a life in TV.
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Publicity Manager - Kate Whitby | Australian Survivor, The X Factor, The Kyle & Jackie O Show
In this episode, I’m joined by publicity manager Kate Whitby whose slate of shows has included, The X Factor, Australian Survivor and Lego Masters. I chat to Kate about her early career as an entertainment reporter for Dolly Magazine, what it’s like to work with radio royalty Kyle and Jackie O and the always unpredictable life of a TV publicist.
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Supervising Control Room Producer and Story Producer - Alex Spurway | Australian Survivor, MAFS, Love island
In this episode, I catch up with Alex Spurway, a supervising control room producer and story producer whose reality TV experience includes, Married At First Sight, Love Island and Australian Survivor. I chat to Alex about how she started her career on the Today Show, what it’s like to be an executive producer in the competitive world of breakfast radio and how she eventually found her place in reality TV.
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Line Producer - Michelle Gauntlett | Australian Ninja Warrior
In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Gauntlett, a line producer whose career in production has seen her work shows such as Australian Survivor, The Bachelor and Australian Ninja Warrior. I find out how Michelle got her start working on specialist factual TV in the UK, before successfully making the move to Australia, where she now works on some of the biggest entertainment formats in the country.
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Home Economist - Brendan Garlick | Masterchef Australia, My Kitchen Rules (MKR), The Great Australian Bake Off
In this episode, I chat with Brendan Garlick a home economist who has worked on shows including; Masterchef, MKR and The Great Australian Bake Off. I find out how Brendan went from reality TV contestant to working on Australia’s favourite food reality formats.
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Post Producer and Story Producer - Kaite Milicich | Australian Survivor, Lego Masters
In this episode, I chat to Kaite Milicich, a Story Producer and Post Producer who has worked on some of Australia’s biggest reality TV shows such as Married At First Sight, Australian Survivor and Lego Masters. I talk to Kaite about how she balances the unpredictable world of field producing with the more structured environment of post production.
If you enjoyed this podcast and want to stay up to date with the latest episodes then click 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on Spotify. You can also find us on social media:
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Sound Recordist - Nick Peterson | Travel Guides, Australian Survivor
In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Peterson - a sound recordist who has worked on shows such as Travel Guides, Australian Survivor and Australia’s Next Top Model. I chat to Nick about growing up in a TV family, the toughest gigs in sound and an 8 hour surgery he will never forget.
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Shooter Producer and Story Producer - Matt Hindson | Australian Survivor
In this episode, I chat to Matt Hindson, a shooter producer and story producer who has worked on shows such as Dancing With the Stars and Australian Survivor. I find out how Matt went from working in a TV network call centre to producing on some of Australia’s biggest reality formats.
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Camera Operator - Paul Webb | Survivor, Australian Survivor & Big Brother
In this episode, I talk to Paul Webb, an Australian camera operator, whose passion has taken him all around the world from covering the OJ Simpson trial, to shooting countless seasons to US Survivor. I find out how Paul cut his teeth in the industry in news before taking on the world of reality TV.
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Senior Story Producer - Erica Foley | Australian Survivor
In this episode, I catch up with Erica Foley, a senior story producer who has worked on some of Australia’s biggest reality formats including Australian Survivor, Big Brother and Australian Ninja Warrior, as well as human interest campaigns for R U OK? Day and the 'Yes' vote for marriage equality. I find how Erica’s passion for story telling has informed her choices throughout her career.
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Story Producer and Challenge Producer - Grant Phillips | Australian Survivor, The Bachelor
In this episode, I’m joined by Grant Phillips, a story producer and challenge producer who has worked on shows including Australian Survivor, Big Brother and The Bachelor. I talk to Grant about how he turned his reality TV obsession into a successful career in television.
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