Canberra: Conversations in the Capital

Henry Xu

A podcast about Canberrans, for Canberrans. During his time working with Questacon and ABC Radio, Henry Xu met and chatted to some of the best the Nation's Capital has to offer. Now, he's ready to showcase them all. Through 20-30 minute interviews, Henry has conversations with a plethora of Canberrans- from career retrospectives with Tim the Yowie Man, to life stories with Stew Thaung from the Mandalay Bus. Recorded throughout the city, in locations relevant to his guests, this podcast allows the people of Canberra a chance to learn more about the town they live in and adore. read less

Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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S6E6: Zac Young, Kita

S6E6: Zac Young, Kita

Henry chats with Zac Young, the co-founder of Kita: Canberra’s own after-hours café. Recorded ahead of the institution's five-year anniversary, conversations for the season finale range from the history and origins of the space to Kita's cult following and famous Curry of the Week.

Episodes

S6E6: Zac Young, Kita

S6E6: Zac Young, Kita

Henry chats with Zac Young, the co-founder of Kita: Canberra’s own after-hours café. Recorded ahead of the institution's five-year anniversary, conversations for the season finale range from the history and origins of the space to Kita's cult following and famous Curry of the Week.

S6E5: Sita Sargeant, She Shapes History

S6E5: Sita Sargeant, She Shapes History

This episode, Henry chats with Sita Sargeant, founder and director of She Shapes History. Recorded at Old Parliament House, conversations range from the history and creation of Sita's organization to making Australian women's history more accessible.

S6E4: Aislinn King, Performance Designer

S6E4: Aislinn King, Performance Designer

This episode, Henry chats with performance designer Aislinn King. Recorded in Canberra Theatre Centre's Courtyard Studio, conversations range from Aislinn's favorite design creations and collaborations to her national and international experiences in the field.

S6E3: Ari Rex, Photographer

S6E3: Ari Rex, Photographer

This episode, Henry chats with international award-winning photographer Ari Rex. Recorded at Wildbark in Throsby, conversations range from Ari's astrophotography workshops to becoming Nature Photographer of the Year in 2020, as well as shooting with infrared lenses.

S6E2: Dan Sanguineti, Filmmaker

S6E2: Dan Sanguineti, Filmmaker

This episode, Henry chats with filmmaker Dan Sanguineti inside the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Watson. Conversations range from the AIE to Dan's experiences in his profession as a person with autism and ADHD, as well as Canberra's current filmmaking landscape.

S6E1: Cal Bruton, OAM- NBL HOFer

S6E1: Cal Bruton, OAM- NBL HOFer

A new lap. In the season premiere, Henry chats with NBL Hall of Famer Cal Bruton, OAM. Recorded inside the SFX College Gym where Cal runs his Bruton Basketball workshops, conversations range from Cal's career in the NBL, his contributions and legacy to the sport, as well as Canberra's basketball scene in the present day.

S5E6: Jim Andrews, Reload Bar & Games

S5E6: Jim Andrews, Reload Bar & Games

In the season finale, Henry chats with Jim Andrews: co-founder of Reload Bar & Games. Recorded inside 1Up, conversations range from the history of the Reload organization, memorable stories and experiences as well as reflections on the evolution of Canberra's Sydney Building.

S5E5: Sally Black, Visual Artist

S5E5: Sally Black, Visual Artist

This episode, Henry chats with visual artist Sally Black from her studio at Strathnairn Arts. Conversations range from Sally's journey to discussions about modern exhibitions and Canberra's growing art scene.

S5E4: Elyssa Castles, Molonglo Conservation Group

S5E4: Elyssa Castles, Molonglo Conservation Group

This episode, Henry chats with Elyssa Castles of the Molonglo Conservation Group. Recorded at the Googong Township, conversations range from Elyssa's journey to the intriguing pink-tailed worm lizard.

S5E3: Duncan Driver, Lakespeare

S5E3: Duncan Driver, Lakespeare

This episode, Henry chats with Duncan Driver of Lakespeare. Recorded inside Chifley Library on ANU campus, conversations range from the origins of Lakespeare to Duncan's additional insights in teaching and The Beatles.

S5E2: Sam Dowdall, The Barter Barber

S5E2: Sam Dowdall, The Barter Barber

This episode, Henry chats with Sam Dowdall- The Barter Barber. Recorded inside their Ken Oath Barbershop, conversations range from the history and ideology of Sam's project and journey, to the importance of mental health within this day and age.

S5E1: Tim the Yowie Man

S5E1: Tim the Yowie Man

In the season premiere, Henry chats with Canberra legend Tim the Yowie Man. Recorded inside the National Film and Sound Archives, conversations range from the origins of the TYM character, fun adventures and experiences over the last few decades, and his famous legal battle with Cadbury.

[Bonus Episode] Soumi Tannous, Bar Beirut

[Bonus Episode] Soumi Tannous, Bar Beirut

Henry chats with Soumi Tannous, co-owner of Bar Beirut and 2022 AHA Host of the Year. In collaboration with Thorial and ACT City Renewal, this special extended-length episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Conversations range from Soumi's journey to Australia and his experiences regarding the Canberra hospitality scene.

S4E6: Kim Huynh, ABC Radio Canberra

S4E6: Kim Huynh, ABC Radio Canberra

In the season finale, Henry chats with Kim Huynh- most notably of ANU and ABC Radio Canberra. Recorded inside the Belconnen Tennis Club, conversations range from Kim's childhood in Canberra to experiences with ABC Radio and his insight on the Nation's Capital.

S4E5: Isaac Martin and Ella McCarthy, ANU Solar Racing

S4E5: Isaac Martin and Ella McCarthy, ANU Solar Racing

In this episode, Henry chats with Isaac Martin and Ella McCarthy of ANU Solar Racing. Recorded inside the team's workshop on Australian National University campus grounds, conversations range from the team's origins to preparations for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

S4E4: Anne Masters, Gallery of Small Things

S4E4: Anne Masters, Gallery of Small Things

In this episode, Henry chats with Anne Masters- the woman behind the Gallery of Small Things in Watson. Recorded inside the Gallery, conversations range from the institution's origins to the history of the Canberra visual arts scene.

S4E3: Peta Bulling, ACT Conservation Council

S4E3: Peta Bulling, ACT Conservation Council

In this episode, Henry chats with Peta Bulling- the ACT Conservation Council Nature and Waterways Campaigner. Recorded inside their offices, conversations range from the Lawson Grasslands to the life of an environmental campaigner.

S4E2: Grant Simpson, ARCHIE

S4E2: Grant Simpson, ARCHIE

In this episode, Henry chats with Grant Simpson- the lead singer of Canberra band ARCHIE. Recorded inside Darling Street Studios in Mitchell, conversations range from the formation of the band, to some of their most memorable gigs and collaborations.

S4E1: Trevor Dickinson, Visual Artist

S4E1: Trevor Dickinson, Visual Artist

In this season premiere, Henry chats with visual artist Trevor Dickinson. Recorded from his art studio in Newcastle, conversations range from Trevor's journey to Canberra, his iconic bus shelter art, and reflections on the Nation's Capital.

S3E6: Kierain Bunton, Transit Bar- Gig City

S3E6: Kierain Bunton, Transit Bar- Gig City

It's a bar season. In the season finale, Henry chats with Kierain Bunton, Venue Manager of Transit Bar- Gig City. Recorded days after the new venue had officially opened, conversations include the history and future of Transit, as well as Kierain's own bar dreams and ambitions.