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248

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Jun 2026

Language

About the show

This podcast hosted by media professional Nic Hayes is all about getting the education and motivation to work with media. Understanding the drivers, the tips, the very skills required to make it in the media makes this a must listen podcast for all communicators and business owners.

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60 recent

June 16, 202641 min

Sofie Formica

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you will recognise our next guest from her days on television. A pioneer for women in television hosting, she now finds herself waking up Queenslanders on breakfast radio. In her own words, television is still not completely out of the question. There may even be a campaign to bring back the role of Imogen Miller on Home and Away. Sofie Formica is a television icon, a master of reinvention, a host, actor, broadcaster and mum. Her career journey has been driven by purpose, professionalism and control. When asked what advice she would give her younger self, there was very little she would change, apart from perhaps investing in a young Jeff Bezos where they spent an afternoon together in the green room of an internet show while working in the United States. In recent years, Sofie has successfully transitioned into radio. After hosting afternoons on 4BC, she now co-hosts Breakfast with Dean Miller on 4BC under its new owner, Tapt Media. It is one of Queensland’s most competitive radio timeslots and a role she has embraced with her trademark authenticity and professionalism. Sofie shares the stories that interest her most: real human stories, the yarns that can make a difference. Those who have been interviewed by her regularly describe Sofie as one of the best interviewers in Australian media. She has a natural ability to connect with people, uncover meaningful stories and create conversations that resonate with audiences. This media professional is adaptable, focused and passionate. Like many women in media, balancing a career with motherhood presents challenges, but Sofie has navigated both with remarkable success. She is a passionate advocate for Queensland tourism, health, wellbeing and family. She prefers stories that inspire and inform rather than clickbait and outrage, offering audiences a welcome break from the negative news cycle that too often dominates the headlines. We are looking forward to hearing from and meeting Sofie at #MeetTheMedia Brisbane on 28 July, where she will share more about what makes a great story, what catches her attention as a broadcaster and how experts can better engage with the media. Limited tickets remain available.

June 2, 202638 min

Dr Neryl East

Have you noticed that public figures are becoming a little freer with their language? The Leader of the Opposition labels the Prime Minister an "arrogant prick". The leader of One Nation calls a reporter a "bitch". The President of the United States, Donald Trump, drops the F-bomb during a press conference. Are we becoming a little too comfortable with profanity in public discourse? Communications and leadership expert Dr Neryl East joined The Experts Podcast this week to examine what happens when our leaders lower the standard of their language and what that means for their ability to lead. Neryl points to a growing wave of incivility that surrounds us every day. We see it online, on our roads, in public debate and across social media. At a time when trust in institutions and leadership is already under pressure, she argues that we need our leaders to rise above the noise, not contribute to it. The question is whether the occasional swear word makes leaders appear more authentic and relatable. Neryl acknowledges that nobody wants politicians who sound robotic or overly rehearsed. Authenticity matters. But so does judgement. When someone is entrusted to represent the public, there is a responsibility to communicate with care and purpose. One of the key concerns raised in this conversation is that the profanity often becomes the story. The issue that sparked the comment is quickly forgotten, while the headline focuses on the language itself. Name-calling and cheap insults may generate attention, but they do little to build trust, credibility or respect. Where has the wit gone? The sharp critique? The ability to dismantle an argument without resorting to abuse? Strong leaders can make powerful points without reaching for profanity, and the best communicators know how to command attention without lowering the tone. The discussion also explores whether the media can sometimes be guilty of amplifying these moments. Different generations and demographics have very different views on language, and what shocks one audience barely registers with another. Yet the broader expectation remains the same. We want our leaders to set the standard, not follow the crowd. A colourful outburst might deliver a headline, a laugh or a moment of viral attention. But leadership is a long game, and credibility is built over time. As Dr Neryl East explains, the language our leaders choose says far more about them than they might realise.

May 27, 202641 min

Valerio Veo

The launch of a new season of The Experts always has to be special. I cannot help but feel we needed to dive deeper into the conversations started by Darryl Sparey of Hard Numbers and Simon Murphy from indigo murphy on the topic of GEO. Where it is going and are the days of SEO numbered? I felt after that podcast there were more questions than answers. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, many marketers and communications people are asking the question: Is SEO as we know it coming to an end? With advancements in AI and changes in how search engines operate, this podcast delves into the implications of what some are calling the "end of search" and how businesses can adapt. Valerio Veo of Three Tomorrows walks us through some of the reality of AI where we have gone from search to answers. It is a whole new way of thinking when we produce content, how we turn up online, and how we will be found in the future. There is significant shifts in this space happening right now and businesses and experts need to be on top of this. "You need to ride the top of the wave of AI, not get dumped by it". The implications for businesses, experts,brands, leaders of industry are significant. With AI summarizing information and providing direct answers, users may not need to click through to websites as often. In fact, recent statistics show that AI-generated summaries result in a staggering 93% of queries ending without a click to a website. This trend poses a challenge for traditional SEO strategies that rely on driving traffic through keyword optimization. Ultimately, if we are going to be found today and tomorrow, we need to change our behaviour with our content. Your earned media plays a very important role for your future client finding you.

April 23, 202643 min

Pat Panetta

Overnights is one of the toughest shifts in radio. The hours are demanding, the talkback unpredictable, and the audience… occasionally unfiltered. It takes a skilled broadcaster to hold it all together and still deliver a compelling program. Our next guest does exactly that. Pat Panetta is a veteran of the Australian media landscape and the host of Australia Overnight. As Nic puts it, his voice is “like one big hug” — calm, reassuring, and authentic. That connection isn’t a crafted persona; it’s who Pat is, and it’s why his audience stays with him through the early hours. Broadcasting across VIC, NSW, QLD and WA, Pat faces the unique challenge of making a national show feel local. It’s a difficult balance, but one he executes with precision — every listener feels like the conversation is directed at them. In this episode, Pat breaks down what makes a story work in the overnight slot and how he consistently finds engaging content in a time period where talent and topics can be harder to secure. He also lifts the curtain on a practical reality of the format: the strategic use of pre-recorded interviews. Far from detracting from the program, these conversations allow for deeper, more thoughtful discussions giving guests time, space, and a better experience, while enhancing the overall show. Beyond the microphone, Pat channels his expertise into his business, Tell Your Story Media, helping brands and organisations communicate more effectively across radio and television. It’s a natural extension of a career built on understanding audiences and crafting meaningful conversations. This is a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at a misunderstood timeslot and the skill required to make it work. If you ever get the opportunity to join Pat on Australia Overnight, take it — it’s long-form, engaging, and as promised, feels like a big radio hug.

April 15, 202642 min

Darryl Sparey and Simon Murphy talk GEO

If you’ve ever dabbled in the dark arts of SEO, you’ll understand the frustration, time, money and effort poured into results that don’t always stack up. Now there’s a new force reshaping search: Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO); the system underpinning how AI and large language models deliver answers. Nic sits down with Darryl Sparey from Hard Numbers in the UK and Simon Murphy from indigo murphy to unpack what all the noise is about. GEO may only be a few years old, but all signs point to it becoming the future of search and discovery. The conversation zeroes in on what really drives AI visibility: Earned media High-quality content Recognised expertise Proven authority In short, it’s not tricks or hacks as Darryl often refers. It’s credibility. Darryl and Simon come from different angles, but land in the same place. GEO represents a major shift for brands, communications teams, and PR professionals. Importantly, this isn’t a quick fix. You can’t bolt on a tool or widget and expect results. It requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to quality—but the payoff is long-term reputation and commercial impact. A word of warning: tread carefully. There’s already plenty of noise and questionable advice in the market. Make sure you’re working with credible operators. For CEOs and MDs, this is one to get your head around. For PR professionals and communicators, this is your opportunity to bring the C-suite with you—because this is an area that now demands attention. I have no doubt we will be covering this topic a lot more in the future. The reports referred to by Darryl: Coverage to Capital: Reputation in the Age of AI: https://www.hardnumbers.co.uk/research-reputation-in-the-age-of-ai Coverage to Capital: Category Recommendations in the Age of AI: https://www.hardnumbers.co.uk/research-category-recommendations-in-the-age-of-ai

April 7, 202636 min

Kathryn Taylor

In this episode of #TheExpertsPodcast, we speak with Kathryn Taylor, CEO of EON Foundation—an organisation proving that location is no barrier to powerful storytelling and meaningful media impact. Working across some of the most remote communities in Australia, EON Foundation is transforming the health of First Nations Australians through practical, community-led initiatives. By focusing on growing fresh food, improving nutrition, and empowering local communities to take control of their wellbeing, the results have been both measurable and inspiring. This conversation challenges a long-standing narrative in mainstream media. Too often, coverage of Indigenous Australia is dominated by negative headlines. EON is changing that. With the influence of founder and communications expert Caroline de Mori, the organisation has built a storytelling approach grounded in human connection, hope, and real outcomes—earning strong engagement across multiple media channels. We also explore one of the key challenges facing the foundation: funding. While EON receives support from federal agencies and philanthropic partners, there remains a significant gap at the state level in Western Australia. With more than 40 communities waiting to access the program, the discussion highlights a critical point—prevention-driven health initiatives deliver long-term impact but require upfront investment. This episode is a case study in how not-for-profits, especially those operating outside metropolitan centres can cut through. Through strategic pitching, accessible messaging, and compelling case studies, EON is ensuring its stories are not only told, but heard.

April 1, 202642 min

Medianet Media Landscape Report 2026

If you work in the communications space or even just have a general interest in the mood and where media is at this moment, then the Medianet Landscape Report is a must read. Amrita Sidhu, Managing Director of Medianet joins us each year to discuss the findings, and while many won't be surprising, the trends and differences each make for a must-read. Nic and Amrita dive into a few of the findings and some the changes year on year. Trust was a big theme particularly when AI and LLMs are involved. Both journalism and the communications industry have different concerns when it comes to the use and consumption of AI content. So much to dive into… Enjoy the podcast. Here is snapshot of the report and its key findings. Press releases are now the most used story source, used by 86% of journalists. This is followed by industry and professional contacts, used by 83% of journalists. 78% of respondents say that receiving AI-generated pitches decreases their trust in PR content, and 48% believe they can almost always tell if a pitch was written by AI. And yes, AI-generated pitches are making it into journalists' inboxes. 66% of journalists believe that PR professionals are important to their success. Especially when it comes to brining genuinely good stories and sources to them. The best way for a PR professional to build trust with a journalist they haven't worked with before is to show evidence that they understand the journalists' interests (60% of respondents). Social media as a source is declining in usage (from 76% in 2022 to 65% in 2025) with the biggest drop happening on X, dropping from 73% in 2019 to just 36% in 2025.

March 25, 202636 min

Only You - Dr Marny Lishman

It wasn't that long ago we had this guest on the show for her last book, now, her new one is out in April called Only You; The unexpected gift of being alone. Dr Marny Lishman was only with us sixteen episodes ago with her book Crisis to Contentment and she's back with an absolute page turner. A true lived experience book, remarkably personal and a deep reflection of her own world where being alone was thrusted on her. In a time when the World Health Organisation in 2025 declared loneliness a public health priority this book could not be better timed. Immediately from the start of the conversation, you'll get a very clear understanding of why this book was written. You have permission to be alone, you can relish and own the moment. Society has an expectation that we need to couple up, but you first need to find contentment with yourself. There are so many hurdles, distractions, anchors, and reasons for us to react the way we do to being alone. This book will help change your perspective when it is only you. This is Marny's third book but it's the book she always wanted to bring to print, right from the start. It has taken time for the content to be consumable. It's not just the 50% of those from failed relationships and marriages; it is for everyone feeling lonely in all situations - both women and men. Being alone is not defined by gender, nationality, industry, family, or how much money you earn. It'll affect everyone. "The most important relationship you'll ever have is the one you have with you!" A wonderful read, being released on the 29th of April, available online and at all good bookstores.

March 18, 202633 min

Oliver Peterson

The radio industry is highly competitive, and most broadcasters don't get the chance to part ways with their employer on their own accord (ask Kyle Sandilands). Our guest on The Experts podcast moved stations on his own terms and he couldn't be happier. Oliver Peterson was the Drive presenter on 6PR for 10 years before making the move to local rival ABC in the same role. Oli as he is affectionately known in Perth, is the youngest talkback radio host in the country and at the same time a veteran for the timeslot. He talks about his love of radio, his wonderful years spent at his now rival 6PR, and the gratitude he has to be able to do the job he loves. He is living the dream. Switching to ABC Drive wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right move for him both professionally, and for his family. He just loves talking to West Australians on their drive home. There's not a lot of change to the daily approach for the show, but there are small adjustments. No advertisements, he gets to play music, and the program is shorter, which compared to his old gig at 6PR isn't a bad compromise. You can hear how inspired he is, and how much enthusiasm and energy he has in the podcast - he is happy.

March 11, 202635 min

Who you will meet at #MeetTheMedia

#Meet the Media: What Journalists Actually Want The #MeetTheMedia tour is locked in for 2026, with events across Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. But what do journalists really get out of it? In this episode, Nic Hayes speaks with three experienced media professionals who attend the series—not just as journalists, but as participants looking for stories, talent and fresh voices. Joining the conversation: James Willis – Host of Money News Georgia Holland – Consumer Editor, Seven News Luca Gonano – Head of News & Sport, 3AW They explain why #MeetTheMedia matters from the media’s perspective. While many assume the event is purely for attendees pitching their expertise, journalists walk away with something just as valuable: new experts, new story angles, fresh connections and a deeper understanding of the people behind the stories. It’s also one of the rare moments where journalists can step away from the daily news grind to connect with peers, exchange ideas and discover talent they wouldn’t normally encounter. If you’re planning to attend Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney, this episode is essential listening. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, pitching and understanding what makes a story land with media audiences. Because great storytelling isn’t about selling — it’s about connection, relevance and telling human stories that matter. 🎟 Secure your ticket: https://mediastable.com.au/meet-the-media/