Country Creatives

Episode 071: Wrapping Up 2024 – Reflections, Milestones, and Big Plans Ahead

In this special year-end episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb and Reece are joined by their producer, Aimee, for a lively look back at 2024. Together, they reflect on personal and professional highlights, from Aimee’s transformative role with the Emporium Creative Hub to Caleb’s rollercoaster year with Hebron Films, and Reece’s efforts to prioritize focus and meaningful projects.
The conversation is packed with insights on overcoming challenges, celebrating wins, and learning from the past year. Plus, the trio gives an exciting glimpse into the podcast’s future—think expansion, live recordings, and even TV appearances!
Whether you’re reflecting on your own year or planning for a creative 2025, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, collaboration, and setting bold goals. Tune in and get inspired!

Episode 070: Maree Edwards MP on Bendigo's Creative Journey and Future

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Reece and Caleb sit down with Maree Edwards MP to celebrate the exciting next chapter for Bendigo’s Emporium Creative Hub. Following the announcement of La Trobe University as the hub's new governing body, the discussion highlights the government’s dedication to creative industries and reflects on the hub's achievements since opening in 2019. Maree shares insights into the role of the hub in fostering regional creativity, the economic value of the creative sector, and the fresh opportunities ahead under La Trobe’s leadership. This inspiring conversation showcases the collaborative spirit driving Bendigo’s thriving creative community.

Episode 069: Creativity, Community, and the Question: How Many Things Can You Hold in Your Head?

In this episode of Country Creatives, hosts Reece and Caleb shake things up with their first-ever live streaming session on YouTube. They dive into the challenges of managing mental load, sparked by Reece's reflections on the limits of juggling tasks in our heads.
The conversation explores strategies like externalising tasks, habit stacking, and effective project management to lighten the cognitive load. Along the way, they discuss cultural expectations, the impact of technology on productivity, and the vital role community plays in thriving as a creative.
As a bonus, they tease their upcoming guest, productivity expert Les Watson, promising even more insights on working smarter, not harder. Tune in for a mix of practical tips, deep reflections, and an exciting new way to connect with the Country Creatives community.

Episode 068. Designing Gardens. Bringing people and plants together with Kerina McIntyre

In this episode of Country Creatives, Aimee sits down with Kerina McIntyre, Coordinator of Heritage Gardens and Amenity Landscapes, to explore her 18-year journey from gardener to overseeing Bendigo’s cherished green spaces, including the Botanical Gardens and Rosalind Park. Kerina shares the challenges her team faces in preserving these historical sites, from adapting to environmental changes to managing wildlife, including the fluctuating bat populations in Victoria.
Kerina’s passion shines through as she emphasises the emotional and community significance of these spaces. She speaks passionately about the importance of simply sitting and listening in nature—not just for its impact on creativity, but for personal wellbeing. With a forward-thinking vision, the conversation dives into sustainable urban planning and the balance between historical preservation and future strategies for ensuring these green spaces thrive for generations to come.

Episode 067. Questions Without Notice

In this fun and insightful episode of Country Creatives, hosts Caleb Maxwell and Reece Hendy embrace spontaneity with some mystery questions for each other, as they dive into the evolution of Hebron Films, the power of community, and the impact their podcast has had so far. They explore core values, balancing digital and real-life experiences, and the opportunities available to creatives in today’s world. The conversation touches on breaking the fourth wall with their audience and pursuing purpose beyond financial success. Reflecting on their own journey, Caleb and Reece emphasise the importance of meaningful engagement and encourage listeners to interact and share their feedback.

Episode 066. How to make your projects a reality with Aimee Chapman

Join hosts Reece and Caleb, alongside producer Aimee, for an exciting episode of Country Creatives. The discussion centres on Aimee’s fascinating project, Sonic Bloom, an innovative sound experience at Rosalind Park in Bendigo. The project captures the essence of the park through field recordings, music, and stories, offering an immersive experience for visitors. Learn about the power of sound in transforming spaces and community engagement, and get insights into Aimee’s approach to creative projects, collaboration with various stakeholders, and strategic pitching to large organisations. Discover how Sonic Bloom aligns with the Bloom Festival, offering unique ways for the Bendigo community and tourists to connect with their environment. This conversation is packed with practical tips for creatives on effectively executing multifaceted projects and leveraging community involvement.
Click HERE to learn more about Bendigo's Bloom Festival 
Click HERE to see more of Aimee's work

Episode 065. Conflux Bendigo: Living the Creative - Snippets

In this episode Aimee is at the helm and taking you into the heart of the recent live creative conference event: Conflux Bendigo, where some of the brightest creative minds gathered together to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities!✨
We listen in to excerpts from two of the presenters Megan Champion and Leah Sertori, uncovering their insights and highlights. If you're ready to get inspired and see what’s shaping the future of creativity in our region, this one's for you!

Episode 64: How to make your TV show a reality with Nick Jackson of Channel 31

In this episode of Country Creatives, Reece and Caleb are joined by Nick Jackson, producer at Channel 31, to dive into the world of community broadcasting. Nick shares his journey from high school film projects in New Zealand to a thriving career in video production. Together, they explore an exciting opportunity for the Bendigo community to create and air local content on free-to-air TV.
Nick discusses the importance of community-led broadcasting, the steps involved in getting shows on Channel 31, and how locals can pitch ideas, secure funding, and produce their own episodes. It’s a fascinating conversation about the potential of community TV to amplify regional voices and ignite creative pathways.
 
The details for the upcoming Channel 31 information night in Bendigo can be found HERE
You can explore Channel 31 HERE
You can contact Nick at nick@c31.org.au

Episode 063: Book Recommendations and Reviews - Creativity Over Commercialism

In this episode, Caleb and Reece dive into a thought-provoking—and fun—discussion inspired by their recent readings: Rick Rubin's The Creative Act and Ed Catmull's Creativity, Inc. Fresh from a holiday and digital detox, Reece shares insights from Rubin's book, which views creativity as an infinite, spiritual energy, encouraging us to embrace creativity beyond the usual constraints of commercialism.
On the flip side, they also explore Caleb's recent read- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, who brings a playful balance of creativity and commerce to the table. The conversation bounces between the importance of big ideas, the value of people, and keeping an open mind in the creative process. It's a rich and lively exploration of different philosophical approaches to creativity that will inspire and entertain!

Episode 062: Procrastination. What is it and how to overcome it with David Gagliardi

In this episode of Country Creatives, Caleb Maxwell is joined for a second time on the podcast by David Gagliardi, this time to tackle the relatable and pressing issue of procrastination. Together, they explore what procrastination really means, its underlying causes, and share personal strategies for overcoming it through habit-building and self-discipline. David highlights the crucial role of community in addressing procrastination, demonstrating how leveraging the skills and knowledge of others can elevate creative work.
The conversation also touches on practical resources for building productive habits, as Caleb and David delve into the balance between leading oneself versus being led by emotions, and the powerful impact of community on creative endeavours. They wrap up with thoughtful insights on developing personal philosophies and how integrating artistic practice with self-knowledge can lead to greater fulfilment.  Listen in to take action for your best creative self.
 
Find out more about David's work HERE
Listen to our past episode with David HERE