Passion and Perspective Podcast

20/08/2024

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Ep 60 - Phil Dixon

Available now 🎧https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zdxuBPMzpIcL2cby9rfJd?si=FxzrYnFRRs6ndjVoYL-63A

Phil shares his honest reflections from his life, describing the power of connection and relationships in helping him navigate adversity.

Phil co-founded in 2022 and in this episode we hear how this local initiative has promoted the importance of connection in the local community.

Please note that this episode discusses mental health and su***de. If this is at all triggering for you, please seek help from LifeLine on 13 11 14 and connect with your support network.

22/07/2024

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It was a pleasure to sit down and chat with Courtney Nelson () for Ep 59 of the Passion and Perspective Podcast.

Courtney shared her remarkable journey and how, despite the ups and downs of life, her passion for music has never wavered.

Drawing from these experiences Courtney has recently released her debut single, 'Shifting Focus', which is a raw and powerful piece of music.

You can listen to the full episode and check out Courtney's music on Spotify 🎧

16/07/2024

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Ep 59 - Courtney Nelson -

Available to listen now on all podcast platforms 🎧

Courtney Nelson shares her inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast.

With a lifelong love for music Courtney has recently released her debut single, 'Shifting Focus'.

In this episode Courtney details how her life experiences - the highs and the lows - have shaped her creative process and helped produce personal, raw and powerful music.

This episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast is proudly supported by .of.life

03/07/2024

📰 Noah Tracey's meteoric rise to college football in United States

Former Blue Mountains resident Noah Tracey makes his make in US college football.

19/06/2024

Noah Tracey shared his inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast. It was a pleasure to sit down with Noah and hear his journey from the Blue Mountains to now playing college football in Virginia.

With a deep determination, yet grounded perspective on life, Noah shared how he embraces 'being comfortable with the uncomfortable' through his life.

Available to listen now 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z5eLlfzFr5xzcxiUDxNvp?si=zwssX1bKTYaLPHKzGGHU1w

13/06/2024

'You have zero time to think...you've got to catch-to-kick in 1.2 seconds' - Noah Tracey

On the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast, Noah Tracey gives an insight to his role as a Punter for Norfolk State Athletics .

🎧 Listen to the full interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z5eLlfzFr5xzcxiUDxNvp?si=h29b4WmqQ6m_Q-jI8pCErg

11/06/2024

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Ep 58 - Noah Tracey

Available to listen now 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z5eLlfzFr5xzcxiUDxNvp?si=kJTPacbMT4yY2_-nRpZDsg

Noah Tracey shares his inspiring journey that has taken him from the Blue Mountains to Melbourne and onto Norfolk State University in pursuit of his newfound passion.

With a deep determination coupled with a balanced perspective, Noah has embraced every opportunity that has come his way and continues to seek personal growth at every moment.

Through his experiences, Noah has come to recognise and appreciate that the path is rarely scripted and that we have the ability to create the way forward.

This episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast is proudly supported by Herbs of Life.

07/06/2024

Zorana McDavitt shares her inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast 🙌

🎧 Available to listen now >> https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Iq0vVgmc2eMRljlOOZvoz?si=vQsY7ZzGQOuQbgqFr5BCUw

Out this week in Blue Mountains Gazette…so greatful to Jonathan from Passion and Perspective Podcast for this write up.. and to our awesome community who have walked with me with your amazing creativity and passion for nature and conservation. Can’t wait to meet more of you along the way! 🙏🏻🖤🪶

20/05/2024

‘When we see those beautiful black cockatoos we don’t realise that there are only five species in Australia, four of which are threatened or down to critically endangered’ - Curiosities by Z

Through her passion for art and nature, Zorana McDavitt is committed to conservation through education, bringing awareness to the plight of our wildlife across the Blue Mountains and beyond.

Listen to the full interview in the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Iq0vVgmc2eMRljlOOZvoz?si=gx2N5NXcS0CECKx_5U0cww

14/05/2024

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Ep 57 - Zorana McDavitt - Curiosities by Z

Available to listen now on all podcast platforms.

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Iq0vVgmc2eMRljlOOZvoz?si=eMEl1PRLRAKnHT2unzU8KA

In this episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast, we hear from local artist and conservationist Zorana McDavitt. Raised in Penrith and now living in the Blue Mountains, Zorana has a lifelong love for art and creativity. With a deep curiosity and desire to learn Zorana is now channelling her passion to educate the community about conservation of our local environment, with a specific focus on birdlife.

Zorana shares her honest reflections from life, juggling parenthood, career aspirations and passion projects.

MTNS MADE

19/03/2024

Katie Lees Foundation 💙

Katie Lees featured in Episode 2 of the Passion and Perspective Podcast and shared her amazing and inspiring story of performing around the world. As with the other early episodes, Katie’s interview shaped where the Passion and Perspective Podcast is today.

In honour of Katie's life and love for performance, the Katie Lees Foundation has been established. The Katie Lees Foundation raises funds to support young women in theatre to develop and showcase new creative works and any donations are greatly appreciated.

Through the Foundation, the Katie Lees Fellowship provides a platform for women, 34 years and younger, to develop their careers within the performing arts sector highlighting the excellence and innovation of young female creatives and encouraging more voices to be heard.

DONATE HERE >>

The Katie Lees Fellowship provides young women in theatre access to a supportive arts community and the opportunity to develop and showcase their own unique performance pieces. The Katie Lees Fellowship empowers young female artists to tell their stories.

14/11/2023

Music has been a lifelong passion for Gavin Bowles. It has been a journey full of moments to cherish.

Listen to the full interview 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/26PPiS0bnoAeY6BwHw6jts?si=F5Up1jAaRUqIEQ17tfWkUg

11/11/2023

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Gavin Bowles shared his story on Episode 56 of the Passion and Perspective Podcast. In the interview, Gavin reflects on the inspiration behind 'Phoning It In', the debut album for Gavin Bowles & The Distractions which features upbeat, positive music mixed with powerful and relatable lyrics.

09/11/2023

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Ep 56 - Gavin Bowles - Gavin Bowles & The Distractions

Available to listen now on all podcast platforms.

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/26PPiS0bnoAeY6BwHw6jts?si=-N85KQvrStOkpExkVqstMg

In this episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast, we hear from local musician Gavin Bowles. Raised in the lower Blue Mountains and now living in the Penrith area, music has been a lifelong passion for Gavin.

Throughout this conversation, Gavin shares his perspective as a full time musician - providing an honest reflection of his pursuit. Speaking with Gavin, it reinforced to me that for any creative the path is not linear, nor is it easy.

Through the release of his latest album, with his band Gavin Bowles and the Distractions, the music Gavin shares features powerful messages, delivered through upbeat and catchy tunes.

MTNS MADE

29/10/2023

Belle Butler is the latest guest on the Passion and Perspective Podcast. Reflecting on her passion for creative arts, Belle recognises that it is the journey - the process of creating - where the magic lives.

Listen to Belle's interview on the Passion and Perspective Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6I92Uc0DweEfu4wVXLzkl7?si=YP3O8dSAQxCDqPVaIw0yOw

27/10/2023

‘For a long time I resisted my creativity…as I am getting older I am finding myself more relaxed in my need to create and being committed to that, is for me, the success’ - Belle Butler

Belle Butler shares her inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast 🙌

Available to listen now 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6I92Uc0DweEfu4wVXLzkl7?si=3xRa6GSVRzyTkZyyfnsWcQ

25/10/2023

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Ep 55 - Belle Butler

Available now 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6I92Uc0DweEfu4wVXLzkl7?si=mH3XtEk9RRuPl1zLiqyX4g

Belle Butler shares her honest reflections from the world of creative arts in our conversation on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast.

Balancing her time between music, photography, writing and even stop motion art, Belle's journey is one of persistence. Across her life, Belle has navigated self doubt yet she has continued to pursue and refine her craft. It really resonated with me that Belle's determination and hard work has inspired her work and it shines through in her creative pieces.

Listen to the Passion and Perspective Podcast to hear Belle's honest and inspiring story.

MTNS MADE

23/10/2023

It was a pleasure to feature Aidan Williams photo in the Prologue of my new book, 'Redefine Success: making the shift from doing to being', which draws on the inspirations insights from the Passion and Perspective Podcast.

Reflecting on our 2020 podcast interview, it struck me how Aidan looks at life through a lens of opportunity. Seeing Aidan pursue his craft and create a journey that he is passionate about continues to inspire me.

Redefine Success is available now 📚

You can get a copy here:
Amazon - https://amzn.asia/d/336I8IM
Balboa Press - https://www.balboapress.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/854302-redefine-success

19/10/2023

Zoe Cox has a deep curiosity for relationships, human interactions, diverse cultures, travel and the natural world. Zoe sees possibility in everything and it is that refreshing perspective that she shares through her practice at Blue Mountains Counselling.

Listen to Zoe's inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2a4qwlbQ4djWbBpSeeFxfi?si=xCU9Rk08RXyUIFNQuaPMKw

17/10/2023

"We started swimming...we were definitely halfway between the island and the yacht and then I heard a noise that sounded like a helicopter. There was what is called a water spout...that was the noise that we could hear and that was coming straight at us" - Zoe Cox

A natural storyteller and an eclectic adventurer - check out Zoe Cox's inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast.

LISTEN HERE 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2a4qwlbQ4djWbBpSeeFxfi?si=FuosnqgQRsyeX6iyXpImtg

15/10/2023

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Ep 54 - Zoe Cox

Listen here 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2a4qwlbQ4djWbBpSeeFxfi?si=_2jnsOFvRw2JcQ55OauOnw

Zoe Cox is an adventurer at her core with a deep curiosity in all aspects of her life. Intrigued by people, cultures, travel and the natural world, Zoe sees possibility in everything and it is that earthly perspective that she shares through her counselling practice.

Listen to the Passion and Perspective Podcast to hear Zoe's refreshing and inspiring journey.

09/10/2023

Peter Earl shares his inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast. Peter talks about personal growth, parenthood and the inspiration behind starting The Music Guy.

Listen Here 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gatVAG1dri03zqyRGoMN4?si=MPln5Nw4QDew3z7uvKVoSg

Peter has recently been nominated for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award 🎶 You can support Peter and vote now by going to aria.com.au/vote and clicking “next” to skip to the Music Teacher category ☑️

A vote for The Music Guy is a vote for more accessible music education in the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney.

07/10/2023

'Success is…finding balance in life and finding happiness in life. If you are happy doing what you are doing, then I think that is the definition of success' -

Listen to Peter Earl's inspiring story on the latest episode of the Passion and Perspective Podcast. Available now on all podcast platforms 🎧🎤

05/10/2023

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Ep 53 - Peter Earl - The Music Guy

Listen here 🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gatVAG1dri03zqyRGoMN4?si=lofErKSQTk2eJJuo5XOHQA

Peter Earl has had a love for music from a young age and after 20 years in the education system as a teacher, he has now turned his passion into a business through The Music Guy, which aims to inspire and connect kids through music.

'I want to see as many kids as possible experience those benefits that music offers', Peter says.

'The goal is to get music into as many school as possible'.

Listen to the Passion and Perspective Podcast to hear Peter's inspiring story, with honest reflections about personal growth, navigating grief and fatherhood.

09/07/2022

PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE ✏

"Riding through the glass ceiling"

"I think it is absolutely amazing that we have Le Tour de France for women now. For me, that is so exciting that I can finally say ‘yes’ to that (racing in Le Tour de France). It’s been a long time coming, but I am really excited that in my career I am going to get the chance to race it.”

The growth of women’s professional cycling has been exponential, and Spratt’s career has mirrored this rise. A scholarship through the Australian Institute of Sport shortly after leaving school was her entry into the world of professional cycling. While many will judge success based on podiums, medals and overall victories, Spratt has maintained a grounded perspective, understanding that the emphasis on the journey and commitment to her craft is the true measure of success.

“It took years and years of training to really progress. I think I was racing in Europe for almost 10 years before I got my first professional victory,” Spratt said.

“It just takes persistence and resilience and just chasing the dream…I never lost sight of that.

READ MORE >> https://passionandperspective.com.au/articles/riding-through-the-glass-ceiling

07/07/2022

Ep 52 - Amanda Spratt

LISTEN HERE >> https://passionandperspective.com.au/listen/ep-52-amanda-spratt

The Springwood resident will call upon her experience from three Olympic Games and multiple World Championships as she competes in arguably the most significant race of her career. A leader for her team, Team BikeExchange-Jayco, Spratt recognises the importance of the moment both personally and for future generations.

“Anyone looking to our sport who maybe has a dream of becoming an athlete or a professional cyclist…now they are going to be able to see us racing, to see females racing and see that this is really something they can dream to be. That is a really important message that is going to come from Le Tour de France,” Spratt said.

20/06/2022

PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE FOLLOW UP 🎧

Ashlee Bucholtz (Ep 11) recently joined the Passion and Perspective follow up conversation to share her journey from the past two years.

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW >> https://youtu.be/1u5f1flmDIE

📸 Liam Foster

17/06/2022

"It feels nice to see my hard work on the wall with other really talented artists who are practising and who are living that creative life"

Ashlee Bucholtz joined the Passion and Perspective follow up conversation to share her journey from the past two years.

Ashlee and six other local artists will feature in the upcoming Mountains Group 7 Exhibition in Blackheath this weekend.

15/06/2022

Ashlee Bucholtz (Ep. 11) joins our Facebook live follow up conversation.

12/06/2022

PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE ✏

"Redefine success"

You are the ultimate judge of your own success. True success is internal and should be tied to your lived experiences, not merely your output.

It is important to recognise and celebrate achievements, to take time to reflect and be proud of what you have done. These moments of reflection will be even more meaningful having embraced your being rather than the 'doing'.

READ MORE >> https://passionandperspective.com.au/articles/redefine-success