Conserving the Wild: Wildlife Guardianship and Invasive Battles with Dan Rumsey
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.
Under Contract: Sharp Strategies and Saltwater Style with Natalie Paiola
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.
Five Islands: The History Hiding Offshore
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.
Music, Marketing & Momentum: Building Creative Fuel with Pete Gillies
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.
The Illawarra Family Guide: Playground Perks, Rainy Day Rescues, and the Great Tool Box Saga
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.
Dirt & Discipline: Conquering Trails and Pushing Limits with Nathan Rennie
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.
Beyond the Illawarra’s Edge: Uncovering the Story of the Sea Cliff Bridge
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.
From Backlots to Blockbusters: Shaping the Future of NSW Film with Nick Bolton
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.
Silver Screens on the South Coast: The Ultimate Guide to the Illawarra's Cinematic History
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.
Pain with Intent: fronting Chaos and Finding Calm with Toby Topham
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.
Illawarra Wrecked: Unearthing the Secrets of Our Coastal Graveyard
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.
The Long Way Up: Embracing the Journey and the Ride with Max Rutherford
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.
Saltwater Frames: Capturing the Soul of the Sea with Greg Fisher
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.
Hunt, Fish, Grow, Cook: The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Self-Sufficiency with Yianni Barthelmess
Discover the ultimate guide to an organic, self-sufficient coastal lifestyle. In this episode of the Current Conversations Podcast, Kurtis Ocean dives into the "Ocean to Plate" philosophy with Illawarra local Yianni Barthelmess (@huntfishgrowcook). Learn expert tips on sustainable spearfishing at Bass Point and building a thriving vegetable garden resilient to New South Wales coastal winds.