Behind the Mic with Mike E

Meshel Laurie pulls back the curtain on a career that has taken her from stand-up comedy and radio stardom to becoming the voice behind one of Australia's biggest podcasts, Australian True Crime. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Meshel reflects on her journey from aspiring comedian to one of the country's most recognisable broadcasters, including the lessons she learned from decades in live radio and why podcasting has opened doors that traditional media never could. She also shares stories from some of the more unusual chapters of her life, including her time answering phones at a brothel, her love of stand-up comedy, and the highs and lows of a career spent in the public eye. Meshel opens up about the phenomenal success of Australian True Crime, why she was drawn to the genre, and what she's learned from years of speaking to victims, investigators and people whose lives have been touched by crime. We explore why true crime resonates so strongly with audiences, particularly women, whether people are fundamentally good or bad, and how spending years immersed in humanity's darkest moments has shaped her outlook on the world. The conversation also dives into her journey with Buddhism and sobriety, the role both have played in her life, and how those teachings have helped her navigate heartbreak, personal challenges and life beyond the microphone. Honest, thoughtful and deeply human, this conversation explores crime, comedy, spirituality and what happens when you spend years listening to other people's stories. Whether you're a fan of true crime, podcasting or simply fascinated by the people behind the microphone, this episode offers insight, perspective and plenty of surprising stories. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Churi pulls back the curtain on what happens when success comes early — and how quickly life can change when the path you thought you were on suddenly shifts. A broadcaster, podcast host and media personality, Mitch found fame at a young age, building a rapid rise in Australian media and becoming one of the industry’s most recognisable young voices. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Mitch opens up about the pressure of finding success so early, what it was like navigating fame while still figuring out who he was, and the challenges that came with growing up in the public eye. He also reflects on the major setback that forced him to reassess everything, how that difficult moment reshaped his career, and why reinvention became the key to his next chapter. Mitch shares how launching his own successful podcast and building a personal brand gave him a fresh sense of purpose, and how he turned a career setback into something much bigger than he originally imagined.  Honest, funny and full of perspective, this conversation explores resilience, reinvention and what it really takes to build something new when the original plan falls apart. Whether you’re interested in media, podcasting, or the reality of bouncing back after a setback, this episode offers insight into turning difficult moments into opportunities. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Szeps pulls back the curtain on how leaning into difficult conversations helped him become one of Australia’s biggest podcast voices. As the host of Uncomfortable Conversations, Josh has built a global audience by asking the questions most people avoid and creating space for honest, nuanced debate in an increasingly divided world. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Josh explains why he started Uncomfortable Conversations, his thoughts on modern media and public discourse, and why difficult conversations matter more than ever. He also reflects on his journey through broadcasting and podcasting, how he built an international audience, and what it was like appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the world’s biggest podcasts. Josh opens up about why curiosity has become such a defining part of his work, the balance between controversy and conversation, and how he approaches topics that many people are too afraid to discuss publicly. Thoughtful, sharp and deeply engaging, this conversation explores the future of media, the importance of intellectual honesty, and why asking uncomfortable questions can sometimes lead to the most meaningful discussions. Whether you’re interested in podcasting, journalism, politics or the changing media landscape, this episode offers insight into one of Australia’s most compelling audio voices. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tanya Hennessy pulls back the curtain on how one viral video changed everything and what it really takes to turn a moment of online fame into a lasting career. A comedian, radio personality, author and podcast host, Tanya became one of Australia’s most recognisable voices after a single piece of content exploded online, launching her into the spotlight almost overnight. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Tanya shares the story behind the video that made her a household name, how she handled the sudden attention, and what it takes to stay relevant once the initial buzz fades. She also reflects on her time in radio, being one of the early pioneers of podcasting in Australia, and how she’s built a career that extends far beyond that first viral moment.  Tanya opens up about how her life has changed since becoming a mum, her journey through years of IVF, and the reality of balancing career, identity and motherhood in a very public way. Honest, funny and deeply personal, this conversation explores the highs of internet fame, the challenges behind the scenes, and what it really means to evolve both personally and professionally.  Whether you’re interested in social media, podcasting, or the reality of building a career from a single moment, this episode delivers insight, laughs and plenty of real talk. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glen James pulls back the curtain on how he turned money advice into one of Australia’s most successful podcast and content platforms. Glen is the host of 'Money Money Money' a show that has helped thousands of Australians better understand their finances. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Glen explains how he got started in the money space, and how he transformed simple, practical financial advice into a podcast, a personal brand, and a growing media business. He also shares how he’s been able to make finance, a topic many people avoid, actually engaging, relatable and easy to understand, particularly for a millennial audience looking for clear, no-nonsense guidance. Glen breaks down the growth of his platform, what it takes to build trust with an audience when talking about money, and how consistency and clarity have been key to scaling his content into something much bigger. Honest, practical and full of insight, this conversation explores the intersection of finance and media and what it really takes to build a content empire from a topic most people find intimidating. Whether you’re interested in money, podcasting, or building a brand, this episode offers real-world advice and a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jana Hocking pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a career out of your personal life. As a dating and relationship expert, columnist and podcast host, Jana has made a name for herself by sharing the details most people keep private from dating stories to sex, relationships and everything in between. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Jana opens up about the reality of modern dating, including why being single in a city like Sydney can be harder than it looks, and what people are really experiencing behind the apps and profiles. She also discusses the pressure of putting your personal life out there publicly, how she decides what to share and what to keep private, and where the line sits between being open and over-sharing. Jana reflects on the attention, judgment and expectations that come with her content, and how she navigates an audience that feels invested in her personal life while still protecting her own boundaries. Honest, funny and refreshingly candid, this conversation explores the business of vulnerability, the realities of dating in today’s world, and what happens when your life becomes your content. Whether you’re interested in relationships, podcasting, or the reality of building a personal brand, this episode offers insight, laughs and a very real look behind the mic. Follow Mike E on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billi FitzSimons pulls back the curtain on how The Daily Aus has become one of the most influential news sources for young Australians. As editor of the platform and co-host of its podcast, which reaches more than two million listeners each month. Billi is helping reshape how a new generation engages with news and current affairs. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Billi explains how The Daily Aus connects with Gen Z audiences, why traditional media often struggles to reach younger listeners, and what issues actually matter most to that generation right now. She also opens up about navigating visibility in the media industry, including the unique pressure of building a career while growing up with two of Australia’s most recognisable journalists: Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons. Billi reflects on carving out her own identity in media, the responsibility that comes with informing millions of young Australians, and how she balances credibility with relatability in an era where trust in news is constantly evolving. Honest, thoughtful and insightful, this conversation explores the future of journalism, the power of podcasting to reach new audiences, and the determination it takes to build your own voice in a crowded media landscape. Whether you’re interested in media, journalism, or understanding how Gen Z consumes news, this episode offers a fascinating look at the next generation shaping the conversation. Follow Mike E Etheridge on: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell Coombs pulls back the curtain on the moment a small social media video changed everything and how going viral overnight launched him into becoming one of Australia’s biggest digital creators. With a huge online following and as one of the early adopters of podcasting in Australia, Mitchell has built a career in front of millions. But the path hasn’t been smooth. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Mitchell opens up about how quickly fame hit, the pressure of being recognised everywhere, and what it’s really like when your private life becomes public conversation. He also shares the real story behind the scandal during his time on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, what that moment taught him, and how it forced him to reassess not just his career but his mindset. Honest, reflective, and surprisingly grounded, this conversation explores the highs of internet fame, the consequences of public mistakes, and what it takes to rebuild when your name is in headlines. Whether you’re fascinated by social media, radio, or the realities of modern fame, this episode offers big lessons, big moments, and a raw look at life behind the mic. Follow Mike E on: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Keller pulls back the curtain on life behind the microphone. From her early days in broadcasting to now hosting a national drive show, and her podcast 'Double A Chattery', she shares the stories, struggles, and laughs that audiences rarely see.In this episode of Behind the Mic, Amanda talks about the secret chemistry that made her partnership with Jonesy a broadcasting phenomenon. The times she overstepped and upset people close to her when she shared too much on air. She discusses her husband Harley's health struggles and her reasons for sharing this personal story with her audience.Amanda also reveals how she handles the pressures of being on air, how she battles burnout, and what keeps her passionate about podcasting alongside her busy radio career. Honest, raw, and funny, this conversation shows the woman behind the household name; the ambition, the resilience, and the human stories that make her who she is.Whether you’re a fan of radio, podcasts, or just love hearing the real lives behind famous voices, this episode is full of insight and heart.Follow Mike E on: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.