Dear Luke + Ben

Summary Aaron Curnow, the founder of Spunk Records, discusses his career in the music industry and the relationships he has built with artists. He reflects on the success of the label and the challenges he faced, including the impact of COVID-19. Curnow also talks about the importance of being connected to the music and the artists he works with. He discuss the changing landscape of the music industry, particularly in relation to the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify. They talk about the challenges faced by up-and-coming bands and the shift in focus from live performances to online streaming. They also touch on the role of record labels and the importance of creativity in the industry. Aaron shares his top three live music experiences and reflects on the nostalgia of mixtapes and vinyl records. They conclude by discussing the future of Spunk Records. Takeaways Building relationships with artists is crucial in the music industry. Being connected to the music and having a passion for it is essential for success. The challenges of running a record label include managing multiple artists and adapting to industry changes. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in terms of international releases and live performances. The music industry has undergone significant changes with the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, which have impacted the way artists promote and monetize their music. Up-and-coming bands face challenges in getting their music heard and building a fanbase, as traditional avenues like live performances and record labels have become less accessible. Creativity remains a crucial aspect of the music industry, and artists need to find innovative ways to stand out and connect with audiences. The nostalgia of mixtapes and vinyl records highlights the importance of physical media and the personal touch it brings to music consumption. Spunk Records plans to take a break from releasing new music but will continue to support artists through their existing catalog and explore new opportunities in the industry. The podcast will continue, with a focus on recording episodes at a pace that allows for quality content without overwhelming the hosts' other commitments.

Blakey Johsnton is about to surf for 40 hours. This episode captures Blakes's mindset just eight days from embarking on his world record attempt, which has already raised an incredible $150,000 for Youth Mental Health as we air on this episode of Dear Luke and Ben (without Luke). This is a testament to his passion and dedication to Mental health, and Blakey has just begun. In this episode, we delve into the incredible challenge that Blakey is about to undertake: surfing for 40 hours straight in salt water. We discuss the risks involved in this record-breaking attempt and how Blakey prepares himself physically and mentally for this gruelling challenge. We also touch upon the absence of Luke Shanahan, who could not join us for this episode due to the shi*thouse Sydney train system. However, we know that Luke is with us in spirit and fully supports Blakey's mission to raise awareness for mental health and youth. We can inform you that Luke made it home after 8 hours of train rides through Sydney to nowhere. Throughout the episode, we explore the incredible determination and resilience of Blakey Johnston, who is attempting to break a world record and make a difference. We discuss the importance of mental health awareness and how we can all support this vital cause. Tune in to this episode to hear about the incredible challenge that Blakey Johnston is about to undertake and learn how you can make a difference in the world of mental health

This episode is essential listening. Every human should take the time to listen to Dave's story. Dave Winner is a lifelong, all-season surfer and ocean swimmer. He can often be seen striding confidently into the surf, regardless of the weather. In August 2020, at the age of 69, large unpredictable waves caught him off-guard and swept him off the rocks and into a deep rockpool, where he was knocked unconscious and failed to resurface. Dave was under the water for more than 6 minutes while witnesses on the beach rushed to his aid. It took five people to retrieve him from the water and carry him to safety, where he was given immediate, life-saving CPR by members of the public, including several off-duty first responders. Emergency services arrived, and more than 2 hours after leaving the water, Dave was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remained in an induced coma for five days. After an agonising wait with his family by his side in the ICU, Dave regained consciousness. Sadly, he broke his neck and suffered spinal damage rendering Dave a paraplegic. Dave was told he would never walk again. The doctors, however, hadn't met Dave before. Without giving this extraordinary story of bravery, determination and love away, he walked into this studio, un-aided to conduct this interview with his best mate, his son, Steve Winner. There are lessons in this conversation that run deep and should connect with all of us. The common thread? Friendship and family.  Please enjoy this conversation with this real life superhuman, Dave Winner and his son, Steve. Please register for your first aid training here: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/first-aid-courses/ https://anchor.fm/dearlukeandben/message

Welcome to our first official "Guestless" episode, where we break down the previous season and discuss what we have learnt, where we are heading and what it means to be a filmer maker and own a digital agency in times of upheaval and disruption. This episode shares our experiences through unscripted dialogue and organic confusion with your hosts, Luke Shanahan and Ben Rennie (Guestless). What follows is a conversation that will make you laugh, squirm & feel oddly inspired. Luke and Ben hope to feed the creative mind (or help you rediscover the one you may have lost). Welcome to "Dear Luke & Ben", New Episodes every Thursday.

Speaking with Bob Brown makes us all feel a little lazy. He is, Australia's Humanist! Doctor, Senator, environmentalist, activist, leader and writer are some of the roles he's occupied but his reach is much wider than that. It's lonely at the top and from having to go it alone on many issues in parliament, he's now seen as a figurehead to the next generation of climate activists and those who choose to care about the planet. Strap yourself in, it's time to save the world.

From Logie nominated child star to working alongside the world's most famous film-makers, Damon Herriman has done it all. Working constantly between LA and Australia, Damon not only has taken direction from some of the world's leading directors such as Clint Eastwood, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino but also has worked with.....Luke Shanahan. You better believe it. With a slew of awards under his belt, this conversations explores just how Damon has maintained a creative integrity through his truthful story-telling while managing to still, "swim with the sharks" in Hollywood.

Ben Shares honest & powerful perspectives on what it takes to shoot the president of the united states, not once, over and over again! With a camera, of course, in the oval office with some of the most powerful humans in the world! How chance plays a part in our lives, but not at the expense of hard work, finding your voice and stamping your footprint on the planet, regardless of how big or seemingly far away that world might be. Ben is a beacon of hope for all of us. He represents anything is possible, how to keep looking forward, make good decisions, and the chips will, more often than not, land exactly where you need them to. In Bens case, in the White House or on the front cover of Rolling Stone or The New Yorker!

Ellidy Pullin is the founder of the Chumpy Pullin Foundation & International Podcast Series, Darling, Shibe with Chloe Fisher. El is the life partner to world champion snowboarder - Alex (Chumpy) Pullin, who died tragically in 2020. This led Ellidy to reassess her life and the chance of a future family. The result is a fantastic journey through grief, resilience and ultimately progression to parenthood. However, the spirit of (Chumpy) lives on through new life, and in this episode, we discover, Ellidy has a story that goes way beyond baby Minnie and the legacy of her famous husband. This is El's story.

Ever the Renaissance man, Tim Ross (Rosso) tackles our big question with thought-provoking ideas, wondering just how cavemen might have fared in these COVID times while at the same time pondering if there is in fact any (real) difference between a car salesman and a politician. What we really learn is how to lead, inspire and create a path that is truly your own in a way that is authentic and connected to your lifelong passion. Enjoy.