The Experts powered by Media Stable

Hosted by Media Stable

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

256

Latest episode

Sep 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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 7, 202644 min

Russel Howcroft

The Changing Media Game with Russel Howcroft The media landscape has changed dramatically, but one thing hasn’t: the battle for attention. This week on The Experts Podcast, Nic Hayes sits down with one of Australia’s most recognised advertising and media figures, Russel Howcroft, to unpack what has changed, what hasn’t and what it takes to build a brand in an increasingly fragmented media world. Russel entered advertising in 1987 at McCann Erickson and immediately knew he had found his industry. Since then, he has had a front-row seat to enormous change across advertising, television, radio, digital and social media. While audiences are now spread across more platforms than ever, Russel argues the fundamental role of media remains as powerful as ever. If you want to reach people at scale, you still need media. The challenge is knowing where to find them and how to earn their attention. Russel also pushes back against the expectation of instant results. Drawing on a recent conversation with Professor Mark Ritson, he explains that advertising takes time to work. Building a genuine brand isn’t a campaign measured in weeks or months. It can be a ten-year commitment. Social media has changed the equation again. Russel shares how short-form clips from Gruen have introduced the program, and him, to entirely new audiences after 18 years on air. Through all the disruption, platforms and technology, Russel believes the central challenge remains remarkably simple: find a way to get people’s attention. Nic and Russel discuss the power of media, the long game of brand building, changing audience behaviour and why creativity remains one of the most valuable currencies in advertising.

September 1, 202642 min

Jason Blyth

Putting Children First A confronting story of lived experience, systemic failure and the fight to reform child protection. In this episode of The Experts Podcast, Nic Hayes sits down with child safety advocate and founder of the Child First Movement, Jason Blyth. Jason’s story is difficult, deeply personal and ultimately one of purpose. Having experienced abuse and the failures of the child protection system firsthand, he is now using that lived experience to push for meaningful reform and ensure children are heard when they need help most. When the System Fails the Child Jason describes a childhood shaped by trauma, abuse and repeated attempts to seek help from a system that was supposed to protect him. By the age of nine, he knew something was fundamentally wrong. Rather than addressing the abuse he was experiencing, Jason says the system focused on his behaviour and treated him as the problem. “You’re just treating a symptom here. No one cared to actually discover why I had the problems I did.” It is an experience that continues to drive his advocacy today. From Lived Experience to Action Jason believes child protection cannot be properly reformed without listening to those who have experienced the system firsthand. Through the Child First Movement, he is calling for lived experience to be embedded into policy, decision-making and the delivery of child protection services. For Jason, the measure of success is remarkably simple. “The only question that matters to me is, was the child safe? If you can’t answer that, then you failed in exactly what you’ve been designed to do.” Putting Children at the Centre This is a powerful conversation about what happens when systems lose sight of the people they were created to protect. Jason challenges governments, agencies and policymakers to rethink how Australia approaches child safety and, critically, to listen when a child asks for help. His message is clear. Procedures, policies and processes matter, but the safety of the child must come first. This episode of The Experts Podcast is confronting at times, but it is also a story of resilience, purpose and one man’s determination to turn lived experience into lasting change.

August 26, 202638 min

Kane Tyler Smith

Growth Isn’t Always Success What happens when a business grows fast, turns over more than $30 million and employs 140 people, but still struggles to pay the bills? In this episode of The Experts Podcast, Nic Hayes sits down with trades entrepreneur Kane Tyler Smith for a refreshingly open conversation about growth, profit, cash flow and learning some very expensive lessons. Kane started his apprenticeship in Year 10 and went on to build a substantial trades business. From the outside, the numbers looked impressive. But Kane admits he became caught up in the vanity metrics of revenue and staff numbers without paying enough attention to margins and cash flow. At one point, the business lost $2.2 million in a single year, forcing Kane to rethink what business success actually looked like. Today, he operates with a leaner team of around 30 people, targeting $15 million in revenue and a 10% profit margin. His focus has shifted from being bigger to being better, profitable and sustainable. Nic and Kane discuss the dangers of rapid growth, managing cash flow, building wealth outside the business, balancing family and work, and why sometimes taking a step back is the smartest move you can make. They also explore Kane’s move into podcasting and why sharing mistakes can be just as valuable as sharing success. A candid conversation about ambition, resilience and the difference between building a big business and building a good one.

August 12, 202640 min

Do you get paid for your media appearances?

Should Media Contributors Get Paid? Should experts and regular contributors be paid for appearing in the media? It is a debate that has been around for years, but Amanda Rose’s very public departure from her weekly spot on Seven’s Sunrise has put it firmly back on the agenda. This week on The Experts Podcast, Nic Hayes sits down with media professional and TV contributor Carmen Braidwood to ask where the line sits between being an expert and becoming paid media talent. Amanda took to social media to explain her departure, saying she was asked to become exclusive to Sunrise without being paid. It raises a fair question: if a network wants exclusivity, should it pay for it? Nic takes a strong position on how Amanda handled it. After three years of building a profile on national television, he believes taking the dispute public was naive and counterproductive. In Nic’s view, the social media post became more of a publicity stunt than a genuine debate about payment. Amanda may have had a reasonable argument, but publicly attacking the arrangement risked devaluing the profile, goodwill and reputation she had spent three years building. Not to mention future media opportunities. There is also something to be said for grace. Nic argues Amanda could have simply declined the request, thanked Sunrise for three years of national exposure and moved on. Carmen brings another perspective. There is a clear distinction between an expert appearing to provide knowledge and build their profile, and a regular contributor relied upon to entertain, offer opinions and become part of the program. As Carmen puts it: “When you bring someone onto your show because they’re opinionated, because they have the capacity to take a few swings and maybe put their own personal reputation at stake, that takes some bravery.” Twenty years ago, regular contributors were more likely to be paid. Today, shrinking budgets and greater competition have changed the economics of media. But payment isn’t the only measure of value. Media exposure delivers credibility, profile and opportunities worth considerably more than an appearance fee. When does an expert become talent? Should exclusivity come with payment? And when a media relationship ends, is there something to be said for leaving with a little more grace? Nic Hayes and Carmen Braidwood tackle it all on The Experts Podcast.

July 23, 202639 min

Preparing for #MeetTheMedia

A solo performance from Nic Hayes today on the frequently asked questions around the event #MeetTheMedia. The 2026 season of #MeetTheMedia kicks off in Brisbane and it is SOLD OUT. The other events in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide are filling up fast. The frequently asked questions around Media Stable's #MeetTheMedia go something like this: What is #MeetTheMedia? What was it designed to do? Who should come to #MeetTheMedia? What do I need to prepare for #MeetTheMedia? What tips can you give me to get the full value out of the event? What do I do afterwards? Nic Hayes the host of the podcast is generally more at ease asking the questions than necessarily answering them, but this time he takes centre stage doing both. This is still relevant to those not attending #MeetTheMedia as there are insights into what journalists are looking for and how to maybe reshape your pitch, your process and strategy when it comes to engaging media. With the dominance of AI and LLMs in today's world, getting earned media is critical for the future of any business. There is a little saying Nic has that should resonate with listeners and brand storytellers. "Earned Media starts at #MeetTheMedia".

July 13, 202636 min

Remembering Derryn Hinch

Celebrating the Life of Derryn Hinch: The Human Headline Few figures have left a mark on Australian media quite like Derryn Hinch. For almost six decades, the New Zealand-born broadcaster, journalist, newspaper editor, television presenter and senator built a career on asking the difficult questions, challenging authority and fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Affectionately known as the “Human Headline”, Derryn’s passing has left a significant hole in Australian broadcasting. This special episode of The Experts Podcast celebrates his remarkable career, his influence on journalism, and the legacy he leaves behind. Joining us are two people who knew him better than most. Former 3AW executive producers Kate Stevenson and Shannon Reid worked alongside Derryn during his years on Melbourne radio. They take us behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most fascinating broadcasters, sharing stories that reveal both the brilliance and the complexity of the man behind the microphone. Derryn loved three things more than anything else in broadcasting: radio, news and opinion. He was relentless in his pursuit of a story and fearless when it came to taking on difficult issues. Whether campaigning for victims of child sexual abuse, exposing injustice or holding the powerful to account, he was driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. His advocacy wasn’t manufactured for ratings. It came from a deep sense of conviction. But this conversation isn’t a eulogy. It is an honest reflection on a career that was as controversial as it was influential. Kate and Shannon talk openly about the highs and the lows of working with Derryn. They discuss the intensity of producing his program, the enormous expectations he placed on his team, the stories that landed him in legal trouble, and the reputation that often divided both audiences and colleagues. Behind the on-air confidence was a complicated character who could inspire, frustrate and surprise those around him. If you’ve ever wondered what it was really like to work with one of Australia’s most recognisable media identities, this episode offers a rare backstage pass. Love him or disagree with him, there is one thing almost everyone in media can agree on. There will never be another Derryn Hinch. That’s life.

July 2, 202639 min

Rob McKnight

It is always fascinating when the media becomes the story. The departures of two of Australia’s biggest broadcast personalities, Karl Stefanovic from television and Kyle Sandilands from radio, have dominated headlines. Their every move is analysed, every rumour reported, but what happens once the spotlight begins to fade? Do they build something even bigger on their own? Do they continue to dominate their respective mediums, or does life outside mainstream media prove far more difficult than expected? Rob McKnight, host of McKnight Tonight on YouTube and Managing Director of BlackBox TV, joins Nic Hayes to unpack one of the biggest media stories of the year. A former television producer, presenter and industry insider, Rob has been following every twist and turn and offers a unique perspective on where both Karl and Kyle go from here. The discussion explores how these departures unfolded, what the next 12 months could look like for both broadcasters, and whether audiences will continue to follow two of Australia’s biggest media brands. Independence brings greater freedom, but it also comes with commercial realities and pressures that are often hidden behind the headlines. Nic and Rob also examine the broader challenges facing commercial media. While audiences remain strong, advertising dollars are becoming increasingly difficult to secure, creating a very different landscape from the one that made personalities like Karl and Kyle household names. It is an insightful conversation that looks beyond the tabloid headlines to examine the business of media, the changing economics of broadcasting, and what success really looks like when the safety net of mainstream media disappears. Whether Karl and Kyle thrive or face a reality check, one thing is certain, the industry will be watching closely

June 24, 202644 min

Graeme Cowan

One of the true trailblazers in mental health, resilience and leadership joins us on The Experts Podcast this week. A man with lived experience who has dedicated much of his working life to helping leaders become better at what they do. His message starts with two simple but often overlooked skills: empathy and listening. Graeme Cowan is a founding director of R U OK?, a speaker, facilitator and multiple-time author. From his first book, Back from the Brink, to his latest bestseller, Great Leaders Care, Graeme has consistently championed a leadership style built on genuine human connection. His message to leaders is straightforward. Be more empathetic, care more deeply and listen more effectively. They are simple traits, but they have the power to transform workplaces and the lives of the people within them. Through his writing and his podcast, The Caring CEO, Graeme continues to explore the challenges facing modern leaders. Mental health, burnout, artificial intelligence, resilience and workplace culture are all on the agenda. The conversations provide leaders at every level with an opportunity to pause, reflect and consider how their actions, decisions and communication impact those around them. Graeme has spent years speaking on stages across Australia and designing workshops that help organisations build stronger, healthier and more caring cultures. What stands out most is that his message is not just something he teaches, it is something he lives. There is a warmth and authenticity in the way he communicates that immediately puts people at ease. At a time when we have never been more connected through technology, many people have never felt more alone. That is especially true for men, who continue to struggle with discussing and managing their mental health. Graeme’s work is a timely reminder that caring leadership is not a weakness. It is one of the most important strengths a leader can possess.

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.