Country Creatives
Country Creatives is a podcast for and about the incredible creative people living throughout our regional areas, who are traversing the many stages of creating a business around what they love and getting paid for it. Whether you are in the early stages of your creative endeavour or already further down your creative path, join Caleb Maxwell (Hebron Films) and Reece Hendy (Nacho Station) as they interview thriving creatives from across the creative sphere about their success stories and helpful failures. Caleb and Reece also throw in nuggets of wisdom from their own creative business journeys to keep you inspired and moving forward. Brought to you by the Emporium Creative Hub.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Welcome to the Country Creatives Summer Series! In this encore episode, Caleb and Reece revisit one of their favourite conversations of the year: their book review episode. This thoughtful and inspiring discussion dives into two books that profoundly shaped their creative journeys in 2024.
Reece shares his experience with Rick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being, a philosophical exploration of creativity as an intrinsic part of life. Caleb reflects on Ed Catmull's Creativity, Inc., a practical and insightful guide to balancing creativity and business, drawn from Catmull's experience as co-founder of Pixar.
With personal anecdotes and lessons learned, Caleb and Reece unpack how these books have influenced their perspectives as creatives and professionals. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to deepen your creative practice, this episode offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.
Tune in, soak up the insights, and enjoy this replay as you kick back this summer!
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
🎙️ Encore Episode: Chris Kennett on Turning Creativity into a Career
This summer, we're revisiting some of our most inspiring episodes while we prepare exciting new content for 2025! First up: a listener favorite featuring Bendigo-based illustrator and author, Chris Kennett.
Chris's journey from doodling as a kid to illustrating Star Wars Little Golden Books and bestselling children's series like School of Monsters and The Nerd Herd is nothing short of remarkable. In this encore episode, he shares his insights on:✨ Seizing opportunities by simply "sending the email"✨ Protecting your creative time✨ Navigating the publishing world as a creative professional
Whether you're starting out or seeking fresh inspiration, Chris's story will motivate you to take that next step in your creative journey. Tune in and rediscover the magic of simply doing the work!
#CountryCreatives #EncoreEpisode #ChrisKennett #CreativeCareers #Illustration
Find out more about Chris HERE
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
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!
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
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.
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
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.
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
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.
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
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.
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
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
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
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!
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
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