
Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley
Our Byron community is a podcast that explores the unique and diverse community here in Byron Bay. From how people ended up here to the thriving business scene, we cover a wide range of topics that make our community so special. We dive deep into the stories and experiences of locals, and share insights on everything from sustainability and wellness to art and culture. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor, join us as we celebrate and explore all things Byron!
Episodes
50 episodes
Business, Activism & Koalas | Geoff Cousins’ Fight for Change
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 wh...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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44:41

Rush Films | A Journey with Cody Greenwood
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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32:33

The Paddock Project | The Journey of Karen Gross
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 daughter...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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31:15

The Power of Curiosity | Dr. Renaud Joannes-Boyau’s and Archaeological Science
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 m...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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47:16

Sarah Rosborg and Rafiki Mwema | From Bryon Bay to Africa
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 n...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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58:31

The Politics of Change | A Conversation with Julianne Schultz
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 politi...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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49:14

Byron Bay Community School | The Journey of Tony Cross
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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44:38

Bay Grocer | A Journey with Jeremy Burn
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 Commu...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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39:54

Sound Insights | Paul Davis on Tinnitus and Technology
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 s...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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48:11

Unsung | Kate Ceberano
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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59:29

It’s Not Just Cricket | Gideon Haigh
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 gripp...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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55:59

The Future of Psychedelic Medicines
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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55:24

America at War with Itself | Nick Bryant Live at the Writers Festival
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 par...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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57:08

Healing Together | Dan Ward's Journey to Help Others
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 challe...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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38:04

The Science of Cancer and the Art of Storytelling | Dr. Paul Thomas Explores Both Worlds
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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39:05

Nurturing New Lives | Conversations with Dr. Howard Chilton
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 communi...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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38:58

Jane Thomson OAM | Crafting Wine Communications
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 r...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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42:41

The Art of Sound | The Journey of Guntis Sics
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, inclu...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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48:33

From Economics to Journalism | Steve Wyatt's Journey and the Rainforest Warriors
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 coc...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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43:36

Pages Unfolded | Jessica Alice and the Byron Writers Festival
Join us for an insightful conversation with Jessica Alice, the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Byron Writers Festival. Coming from a rich background in literature and arts leadership, Jessica shares her journey from CEO of Writers SA t...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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40:32

Beyond Therapy | Andy Hamilton's Mission with Human Nature Adventure Therapy
Join us for a special live episode of Our Byron Community which was recorded at an intimate gathering at the Sun Seeker Hotel in Byron Bay. Host Chris Hanley had the privilege of sitting down with Andy Hamilton, Founder of Human Nature Adventur...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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47:45

Breaking News | Colleen Ryan's Journey in Journalism
Join Colleen Ryan as she takes you on a captivating journey through her life and career in journalism. From her humble beginnings in Woolongong to her move to Sydney for university, Colleen shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Start...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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43:08

Jessie Summons | Journey of Leadership, Innovation, and Community Spirit
Join us as we sit down with Jessie Summons, a visionary leader and advocate for critical thinking. In this episode, Jessie shares insights into the power of critical thinking and its transformative impact on personal and professional spheres. D...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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54:34

Conversations with Shien Chee | Embracing Culture, Community, and Creativity
Join us on a captivating journey with Shien Chee, the dynamic Executive Director of the Writers Festival, as she shares part of her story. Born in Singapore and moving to Australia at the age of three, Shien reflects on the challenges of balanc...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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40:11

The Brookfarm Difference | The Path of Will Brook
Join us for an inspiring journey with Will Brook, CEO of Brookfarm, a generational family business deeply rooted in regenerative agriculture. Will shares the captivating story of his family's big move from Melbourne to Byron Bay, driven by thei...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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41:45
