Through The Creative Door

Alexis talks to Sasha Hennequin, a Melbourne-based actor and singer working across theatre, film, and television. asha opens up about carving her own path as a multidisciplinary performer, embracing opportunities across Australia and the US, and stepping beyond the limits of being defined as just one kind of creative. She shares her journey as a woman of colour in the industry with honesty and strength, highlighting the power of representation, resilience, and self-belief. She also celebrates her recent casting as Tanya in AGT Theatre’s Mamma Mia!, offering a glimpse into the joy, courage, and dedication it takes to bring an iconic role to life.

Alexis chat with Bri Emrich, a multidisciplinary performer whose work moves fluidly between dance, aerial arts, acrobatics, and physical theatre. Based in Melbourne (Naarm) with roots in Perth, Bri shares her journey from classical ballet training at WAAPA to developing a bold, distinctive voice in aerial performance. Bri shares her journey of aerial apparatus (hoop, net, and acrobatics) along with her immersive theatre and cabaret roles and deep dives into the reality of burnout as a creative and how she overcame hers. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @briemrich This episode was recorded on 23rd of March, 2026 on the lands of the Kaurna Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby MiguelAlexis chat with Bri Emrich, a multidisciplinary performer whose work moves fluidly between dance, aerial arts, acrobatics, and physical theatre. Based in Melbourne (Naarm) with roots in Perth, Bri shares her journey from classical ballet training at WAAPA to developing a bold, distinctive voice in aerial performance. Bri shares her journey of aerial apparatus (hoop, net, and acrobatics) along with her immersive theatre and cabaret roles and deep dives into the reality of burnout as a creative and how she overcame hers. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @briemrich This episode was recorded on 23rd of March, 2026 on the lands of the Kaurna Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby Miguel

In this episode of Through the Creative Door, Alexis chats with Andrew Felix, a photographer, videographer, creative consultant, and fellow podcast host. From starting out in drone work to building a career across portrait and fashion photography, Andrew shares how his creative path has evolved over time. He also talks about his passion for storytelling, both through his visual work and his own podcast featuring artists and creatives. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @ felixdahaus.cat @ iamandrewfelix @ unbuttonedpodcast This episode was recorded on 21st March 2026 on the lands of theWoiworung Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor … Creative resources: Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby Miguel

Joe Laf is a singer-songwriter, producer, and session guitarist who believes in one simple rule: don’t overthink, just finish the work. In this episode, Alexis talks with Joe about his journey through music, the reality of working behind the scenes as a session player, and what it takes to actually complete creative projects instead of getting stuck chasing perfection. From songwriting and production to the mindset that keeps him moving forward, Joe shares honest insights from years in the studio and on the guitar. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @ joelafmusic

Alexis sits down with Sarah Eida, an artist working at the intersection of music, embodiment, and performance identity. From her intimate work as a songwriter to commanding the stage as the leading force behind Howling Mountain, and stepping into the electrifying persona of Sassa Von Vuur, Sarah doesn’t compartmentalise her creativity, she multiplies it. Different stages, same nervous system. Together, they explore alter egos, authorship, vulnerability, and what it means to fully inhabit every version of yourself as an artist.

In this episode, we sit down with Melbourne hip-hop artist, singer, amateur producer, and street performer Michael Johnson, AKA Sliq Mick. Known as “The Mental Health Rapper,” he uses his music to spark conversations around awareness, self-reflection, and kindness, spreading the message that it’s cool to be kind. This episode was recorded on 9 January 2026 on the lands of the Woiworung Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby Miguel

Step into the colourful, creepy, and creative world of Brandon Summers, AKA The Nether Noose. Horror-obsessed multimedia artist, streamer, and community-builder, Brandon creates vibrant monster characters, brings his street art to the public, and shares his love of horror through Twitch, YouTube, and his monthly midnight screenings at the Bonfire Horror Club in Adelaide. In this episode, we explore how he blends art, horror, gaming, and community, turning spooky fascination into interactive experiences you can see, play, and join.

In this episode of Through the Creative Door, Alexis chats with Lara Deam, an Australian actress, dancer, director and writer based in Melbourne. Lara’s career spans film, television, theatre, commercials and presenting, with experience both in Australia and internationally, including time working and training in Canada. Before building her acting career, Lara spent almost 18 years as a professional classical ballerina across ballet, contemporary and jazz. She now brings that movement training and discipline into her screen and stage work, giving her a distinctive physical presence and versatility as a performer. Together, Alexis and Lara dive into her multi-disciplinary path, how dance continues to shape her creative process, and what it looks like to build a career across multiple artistic worlds. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @ laradeam This episode was recorded on 7th November 2025 on the lands of the Woiworung Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby Miguel

Alexis chats with Chloe Mazzitelli, a painter from Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland, whose vibrant acrylic animal and pet portraits burst with colour and life. An “art-obsessed child” who studied Studio Arts and majored in Art History at the University of Melbourne, Chloe grew up surrounded by creativity thanks to her artist mum. After taking time away from painting to raise her three sons, she reignited her passion during the COVID-19 lockdowns and has been devoted to her art ever since. This conversation dives into her journey of rediscovery, balancing motherhood and creativity, and finding joy in returning to the canvas.

Alexis chats with Valentina, the Colombian-born artist behind Nakdlines Tattoo and resident artist at More Than Tattoo Melbourne. After leaving her teaching career to follow her creative passion, Valentina now channels emotion and identity through both tattoo and digital art. Tune in as she shares her journey from the classroom to the tattoo studio, and what it truly means to live as a full-time artist. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @ nakdlines_

In this episode, Alexis sits down with Helen Shanahan, an evocative Perth-based folk singer-songwriter whose music gently whispers tales of life, love, and longing. With a voice that captures vulnerability and truth, Helen has become a beloved figure in the local music scene, not only for her storytelling but also as the creator and host of The Songwriters Cafe, a performance series that celebrates original music and the art of songwriting. Together, Alexis and Helen dive into the creative process behind her songs, the emotional honesty that fuels her writing, and how she continues to nurture community through connection and melody. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @ helenshanahan and @ songwriterscafe This episode was recorded on 17 August 2025 on the lands of the Wajuk Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor … Creative resources: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby Miguel

Meet Shane Khin, better known by his evocative stage name The MEeck. Hailing from Perth, Shane is an alt-folk singer-songwriter whose music is a delicate blend of raw emotion, heartfelt storytelling, and stripped-back artistry, just voice, guitar, and musical poetry. But his creativity doesn’t stop at music. Shane is also a talented maker of handmade puppets, proving he’s a true all-round creative. Join us as we explore his artistic journey, the stories behind his songs, and what fuels his imaginative world. If you’d like to see more, you can follow on instagram; @themeeck This episode was recorded on 16 August 2025 on the lands of the Wajuk Peoples. We hope that this episode inspires you as a creative person and as a human being. Thanks for listening, catch you on the next episode. Psst! We are always on the lookout for creative people to share their story and inspire others. Have you got someone in mind who would love to have a chat? Get in contact with us via Instagram @throughthecreativedoor … Creative resources: Let’s get social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthecreativedoor/ TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@ttcdpodcast CREDITS Created and Hosted by Alexis Naylor Music by Alexis Naylor & Ruby Miguel Edited and Produced by Ruby Miguel