Discover how local grassroots initiatives are changing men's mental health across Wollongong. In this episode of Current Conversations, Kurtis Ocean chats with Marty Hopper about the Barstool Brothers burger nights at His Boy Elroy, Mr Perfect BBQs, navigating isolation after divorce, and the power of simple, consistent connection.

Discover the hidden coastal science of Wollongong. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with UOW Professor Sarah Hamylton to discuss drone-mapping the Martin Island seal "Bachelor Pad", the Dharawal creation story of Mount Keira, 250-million-year-old volcanic geology, and her book Plotting the Oceans.

Unearth the history of Australia's first major mining disaster. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean and Gabe dive into the 1887 Bulli Colliery explosion, the story of sole survivor Herbert Cope, Mary Ann Jones's fight for justice, and how 81 lost lives transformed worker safety, union solidarity, and northern Illawarra history.

Explore early childhood development at UOW's Early Start Discovery Space. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Joe English to discuss play-based learning zones, the Friday Dad Space, measured risk-taking, and navigating digital technology for young children in the Illawarra.

Discover the best places to eat across Wollongong, Thirroul, Berry, and the South Coast. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean and Gabe count down the top 10 Illawarra dining spots, featuring clifftop feeds at The Imperial Clifton, fine-dining Mexican at Bóvida, open-flame cooking at Barlena and Andy's, and hidden gems in Port Kembla.

Discover expert dog training and canine behaviour tips for the Illawarra. In this episode of Current Conversations, Kurtis Ocean chats with James McCoy (The Dog Mechanic) about the "Oodle Belt", reactivity on the Blue Mile, crate training, raw diets, and reading dog body language.

Discover the power of somatic embodiment and holistic pelvic care. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Miranda Cheng, founder of We the Femme, to discuss leaving the Sydney hustle for Bulli, unwinding nervous system tension, boundary setting, and using pleasure as a healing modality.

Discover how the Illawarra is leading the global shift toward zero-emission homes. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Elsa Evers from Electrify 2515 to discuss household solar, battery storage, heat pumps, induction cooking, and cutting energy bills.

Discover the reality of South Coast conservation. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Symbio Wildlife Park Manager Dan Rumsey to discuss endangered breeding programs in Helensburgh, the ecological damage caused by rabbits, and how to maintain the delicate environmental balance along the Illawarra escarpment.

Dive into the competitive world of South Coast property. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Natalie Paiola, founder of Knock Knock Real Estate, to discuss the realities of market growth in Dapto and Horsley, high-rise apartment design in Wollongong, and the emotional resilience required to survive as an independent agency principal.

Explore the hidden history of the Five Islands Nature Reserve. From the isolated Perkins family shark-oil trade on Big Island to the Dreamtime story of the six sisters and Mount Keira, the Current Conversations Podcast unearths the epic tales, shipwrecks, and thriving seal and penguin colonies sitting just offshore of Port Kembla, Wollongong.

Step into the creative engine room with Pete Gillies, founder of Craft Music & Craft Marketing. In this episode, the local entrepreneur talks to Kurtis Ocean about his South Korean TV sync breakthrough, managing elite music tours, and his exclusive "Moderative AI" framework built to keep human empathy and skill at the absolute center of digital automation.

Planning a family day out on the South Coast? In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean and Gabe map out the ultimate Illawarra parents' guide. From the UOW Early Start Discovery Space and Thirroul beach pools to free Sunday feeds at the Illawarra Brewery and the epic Boongaree Play Park in Berry, we cover the local spots worth knowing.

Dive into the high-octane world of downhill mountain biking. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with World Cup Champion Nathan Rennie to discuss training on the Mount Keira escarpment, the mental discipline of extreme sports, and building a lasting mountain biking legacy in the Illawarra.

Explore the hidden history of New South Wales' most iconic coastal marvel. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean dives into the story of the Sea Cliff Bridge, uncovering its engineering feats, its role in Russell Crowe's thriller Poker Face, and the resilient South Coast community that saved Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

Discover how the South Coast of New South Wales is transforming from a movie location into a global film production hub. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Screen Illawarra Chair Nick Bolton to discuss the Port Kembla studio vision, short film festivals, and what it takes to pitch our regional backlots to Hollywood.

Explore the star-studded history of the Illawarra coast. From the post-apocalyptic tunnels of Helensburgh in Planet of the Apes to the alien basalt columns of Bombo Quarry in Power Rangers and the rolling green valleys of Robertson in Babe, we map out the top ten most famous film locations in our backyard.

Step into the creative space of Wollongong local Toby Topham (@tobytophamtattoo). In this moving episode, the Napalm frontman and Aftermath Tattoo artist talks to Kurtis Ocean about hardcore music at Dicey Riley's, the craft of traditional tattooing, and how painting became a vital lifeline through profound family loss and grief.

Dive into the dark history of the Illawarra Coal Coast. From the deadly reefs of the Bellambi Bermuda Triangle to the tragic capsizing of the SS Bombo and the heroic human chain rescue at Bass Point, we explore the top ten most iconic shipwrecks frozen in time beneath our local waters.

Discover the mindset required to conquer the South Coast escarpment. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Max Rutherford to discuss endurance riding, cycling Macquarie Pass, and the mental grit needed to tackle the iconic climbs and adventure routes of the Illawarra.

Discover the art of coastal surf photography on the South Coast of New South Wales. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean sits down with Greg Fisher from Saltwater Frames to discuss chasing light at Sandon Point, camera housing techniques, and capturing the raw beauty of the Illawarra ocean landscape.