Beyond Reality

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.CONNECT:You can find Rob through the following links - Rob Has A PodcastX: @robcesterninoInstagram: @robcesternino / @rhapgramsLISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episode:TV Personality - George Mladenov, Australian Survivor, The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition Executive Producer - David Forster, Australian Survivor, Masterchef AustraliaCREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Brianna La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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. LISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episode:Head of Unscripted Television, ITV Studios Australia. Keely SonntagCREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Brianna La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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. LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episodes:TV Presenter - Liz CantorSeries Producer - Danielle VosCREDITSHost and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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.CONNECT To get in touch with Danielle, you can find her on LinkedIn HereMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMedia Mentors LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episode:Series Producer - Natasha Pizzica CREDITSHost and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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. LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to the following episodes:Head of Unscripted, ITV Studios Australia - Keely SonntagCasting Director - Kirsty de VallanceCREDITSHost and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance  Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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. CONNECT:ITV Studios AustraliaLISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to my recent interview with Head of Global Formats, Eureka Productions - Wes Dening.  Long before Wes was making his mark developing and selling original formats around the world, he was getting his first taste of television as a contestant on Big Brother. CREDITS: Host and Producer: Hayley Ferguson Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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.CONNECT:To get in touch with Dominique about her MC work, head to www.dominiquespanos.com or find her on Instagram @dominiquespanosmc.To find out more and get involved with Women In Media, head to https://www.womeninmedia.com.au/LISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this episode,  you may like to listen to my interview with Film and TV Director - Hayley MacFarlane, who has carved out a successful career in what was traditionally a male-dominated area of the industry. CREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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.CONNECTTo connect with Kirsty, you can follow A Cast of Thousands on Instagram @acastofthousands LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this episode, you may like to listen to my chat with TV Presenter - Liz Cantor. Kirsty had a hand in casting Liz Cantor on The Mole before she made her mark as a TV presenter. CREDITS: Host and Producer: Hayley Ferguson Co-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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/If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also be interested in my chat with another female powerhouse in this industry, Series Producer - Natasha Pizzica who has worked on shows such as Gogglebox, Playschool, Teletubbies and Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.CREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

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 order to sell his first original formal at just 27 years old and what he believes it takes to make it in such a dynamic industry. CONNECT:Follow Wes Dening is on Instagram here.Eureka Productions can be found here.LISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to a recent episode recorded with Liz Cantor. Liz is an established TV presenter these days but her first taste of television was on The Mole back in 2005 and spoiler alert - she won! CREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley Ferguson Support the showFIND USTo stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us here:Instagram: @beyondrealityauFacebook: @beyondrealityausX: @beyondrealityauBlog: https://beyondrealityau.comSUPPORT THE SHOWBeyond Reality is an independent podcast, if you'd like to support the show, you can make a one-off contribution HERE (for the cost of a coffee). There’s no obligation to give and any contribution will go towards keeping the podcast available. Thank you for checking out Beyond Reality!If you enjoyed this episode, please share on social media or leave a rating and review in your favourite podcast app to help other people find the show. SPECIAL OFFERSKeen to start a podcast of your own? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, the easiest podcasting software for hosting, promoting and tracking your podcast. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.