Latest news with #LiSTNR
DW
03-06-2025
- Business
- DW
Find out how thoughtful planning drives podcast success
Chris Marsh has spent over 15 years producing radio shows and podcasts for Australia's leading comedy duo. He explains how trust, craft and chemistry and keeping it real build lasting podcast success. For those of us outside Australia, the comedy duo of Hamish and Andy might not ring huge bells. But it certainly does for the 27 million people who live on the southern continent. The two comedians got started back in 2001, and rose to host the biggest drive-time radio show of all time in Australia and ventured into TV. Eight years ago, they jumped over to podcasting full time and are still topping the national charts. Chris Marsh has spent more than 15 years helping shape Hamish and Andy's shows. And while his duties there certainly keep him on his toes, he's also busy in his role as Senior Lead of Future State Sound Design at the Australian digital audio platform LiSTNR, where he's exploring what the future of podcasting might sound like (and yes, that's a real job title). Chris, now 44, didn't set out to shape Aussie audio. He studied film and television, picked up some community radio experience and before long, found himself producing major radio shows. He gained a reputation for technical skill, but also for creating an environment where creativity could thrive. With Hamish and Andy, Chris has helped build something rare: a show that has stayed consistently funny, smart and extremely popular for years and years. The secret, he says, is moving with the times but staying true to the show's mission. PodCircle: You've worked with Hamish and Andy for over 15 years. What has made their partnership work so well and last so long? Chris Marsh: Their chemistry is rare and undeniable. From the beginning, they understood each other's strengths. Hamish is incredibly quick and naturally funny – it's not overselling it to say he's a comedic genius. Andy recognized that and leaned into being the foil or the straight man, though he's also very funny. That dynamic was never about ego; it was about what made the show better. They also hit early on what they called the DNA of the show – "The People's Show". That's informed every content decision they ever made. It's been about inclusion, mutual respect and making the audience part of the experience. Beyond that, they simply like each other. They still find each other funny, which helps a lot when you're producing hundreds of episodes over many years. There's a lot of talk in podcasting about 'authenticity'. For you, what does that mean in practical terms? It means you're not putting on a character. Hamish and Andy are being themselves – OK, maybe a slightly heightened version – but it's real. And we aim for real reactions on air. For example, we set up our email system so that listener messages go to either Hamish or Andy, not both. Exactly 50-50. So when one of the guys talks on the show about an email he's gotten from a listener, the reactions of the other one are genuine. The other is hearing it live for the first time. The reaction is genuine and that, I think, is authenticity. They're finding out at the same time as the rest of the listeners are finding out about it. You're taking people on that journey in the studio, and that is what we think helps lead to that authenticity. But it's a mistake to think authenticity means a lack of preparation. We plan meticulously. We review story arcs and talk about where an idea could go. The authenticity is in how we arrive at those moments, not a lack of craft. Chris with Hamish (center) and Andy (right) during one of their tours Image: Chris Marsh Do you think listeners can tell when something isn't authentic? Absolutely. Listeners can hear when a moment is being faked or forced. They can sense when a host doesn't actually care about a topic. In podcasting, you're often in someone's ears for 30 to 60 minutes, so the intimacy makes it even easier to detect. That's why we put so much effort into making sure the show reflects who we are and what we genuinely care about. How do you balance authenticity with production quality? It's a dance. We have high production standards – we care about pacing, sound quality, music, structure. But that can't come at the expense of spontaneity. So we do things like record long, then edit selectively. We create space in the recording sessions for conversations to flow naturally and take the ideas wherever they feel most exciting. The best plans are the ones you abandon to follow the idea down a rabbit hole. But you need to have the plan in the first place. We keep the energy loose while keeping the bones strong. How do you keep a show fresh after so many years? It's a constant evolution. We always ask ourselves: what felt fun last year? What feels tired now? We'll retire segments that have run their course and give ourselves permission to try things and fail. Some of our most loved bits were accidents. We also bring new people into the team occasionally, which brings fresh energy and ideas. But most of all, the boys are self-aware. They don't coast. They want to push the boundaries of what they can do within the show's format. That's pretty rare. It sounds like their chemistry with each other is a key ingredient. For new podcasters, how can they develop chemistry if it's not there from the beginning? Chemistry can be built, but it takes trust. I suggest spending time together off-mic. Do test episodes and listen back, getting honest with each other about what works. And don't try to be the funniest person in the room – try to make the other person shine. Not everyone has to be the punchline. Some of the best partnerships work because one person knows how to set the other one up. It's about understanding roles and playing to your strengths. What happens when it doesn't work? Well, sometimes it just doesn't click, and that's okay. Chemistry isn't guaranteed. But more often, the issue is not lack of chemistry, it's ego. When people compete for airtime or want the spotlight too much, the show suffers. The best teams are generous and listen more than they talk. Chemistry between hosts can be built, but it takes trust and time Image: Pond5 Images/IMAGO In this era of so many, many podcasts, there's real pressure to stand out – to be louder, more dramatic, more outrageous? What's your take on that? That might work for a minute. You can get clicks or maybe a viral moment. But then what? Can you sustain that energy week after week? Usually not. And audiences are smart. They know when you're performing something or someone that isn't you. That's not to say you shouldn't push yourself creatively, but start from who you are, not who you think the market wants. Hamish and Andy have a very strong relationship with their audience. How did you maintain that through the transition from radio to podcasting? We knew the shift would change the feedback loop. Live radio has instant energy. I mean, you throw something out and get a call back in minutes. Podcasting is just by its nature slower. You don't have that live buzz and absolute requirement to do something immediately. What we did was double down on listener engagement. We brought listeners into the show through emails, call-ins and in-person events. We hold live tapings. We answer emails on the show. We even built episodes around listener challenges or memories. And the guys spend a lot of time greeting and talking to our audience members one on one at live events. It's paid off—our audience feels involved because they are involved. What's your process for reviewing and improving the show year over year? Making sure it doesn't get stale? We take stock every year – what landed, what didn't? We read audience feedback and have planning meetings and ask: Is this still fun? Does this still reflect who we are? And when it doesn't, we change it. That mindset – that the show is a living thing – is essential to longevity. The interview was edited for length and clarity.
News.com.au
13-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Wally Lewis opens up on CTE battle and the toll it's taking on his wife
Rugby league legend Wally Lewis has given an update on his battle with CTE and the toll it's taking on his wife. The 65-year-old first spoke publicly about his battle with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive concussions, in 2023. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Since then, the Queensland and Kangaroos great has campaigned for more awareness and funding for the condition. Speaking on LiSTNR's The Howie Games podcast, Lewis discussed his memory loss and difficulty initially seeking help. 'I'm just having some real issues with my memory,' he began. 'The first issues were probably six or seven years ago, but it took me over two years (to speak to a doctor). 'I didn't want to be seen as the guy who wasn't quite the full quid. 'I spoke to some doctors in Brisbane and went to Sydney and it was a bit embarrassing. 'The doctor basically said 'what are the issues you're dealing with' and I said 'mate, I can't remember things. I really can't remember things'. 'I had a short sleeve shirt on and I had goosebumps … he said 'don't be embarrassed'. 'I could feel my face go red the first time (I asked for help) and I thought 'you idiot, don't be embarrassed to ask for help'.' Just last month, Lewis married his partner of four years Lynda Adams at a private ceremony in Brisbane. He knows there is currently no cure for CTE, which was a difficult reality to face, but says Adams is incredibly patient with him. 'There is no cure. When (my doctor) delivered that sentence to me, it was a slap in the face,' he said. 'But by the same token, I was being a realist in not expecting marvellous things to happen. 'My partner, Lynda, has been fantastic through it. 'She's been very patient, but the amount of times where I've seen this expression on her face … and I know that I've obviously said something (before) or said it wrong. 'And I say to her 'have I already said that' and she'll say 'oh, two, three, four times'. 'I'm past the embarrassment of being repetitive.' Lewis is widely regarded as being among the greatest players in rugby league history. Commencing his career in the late 1970s, the playmaker was part of the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980 and was in the national side the following year. He played 38 matches for his beloved Maroons and a further 34 with the Kangaroos, regularly walking from the pitch with the man of the match award. After retiring in 1992, Lewis went into coaching and eventually television. Named one of the game's Immortals in 1999, Lewis said a number of players have reached out to him since his condition became public. 'A lot of the footy guys have come (to me with symptoms),' he said. 'We all could be a little bit different, but I say 'have you spoken to a doctor yet' and they say 'no'. 'And I'll say, you're seeking answers from me and I can't give you the answers. 'But the best assistance is only going to come from the medical staff. It's been good since (getting help).' Lewis' separation from his wife of 36 years Jackie in early 2021 shocked family, friends and colleagues alike. For almost four decades, the Lewis marriage had been considered the gold standard of sports star unions. But he has found happiness with Adams and was asked whether he fears for his future. 'I do,' he said. 'I am very hopeful and very determined that I am going to enjoy the rest of my life. 'But I don't want to be in a nursing home in the years to come.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wally Lewis' revelation about wife as NRL legend goes public with sad new details
NRL legend Wally Lewis has shared a brave new insight into his battle with CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), admitting he's fearful for what his future looks like. And the iconic Queensland has opened up on how wife Lynda Adams has helped him navigate the most difficult period of his life. The 65-year-old first revealed in 2023 that he'd been diagnosed with a form of dementia that's almost certainly been caused by CTE. The brain disorder can only be diagnosed properly after death, but has become common in athletes who played contact sports. Speaking on LiSTNR's 'The Howie Games' podcast this week with host Mark Howard, Lewis revealed how he suffers bouts of memory loss and often catches wife Lynda's reaction when he repeats himself. He admitted it took him far too long to seek medical help, and doesn't want others doing the same. 'I'm just having some real issues with my memory," he said. "The first issues were probably six or seven years ago, but it took me over two years (to speak to the doctor). "I didn't want to be seen as the guy who wasn't quite the full quid. I spoke to some doctors in Brisbane and went to Sydney, and it was a bit embarrassing. The doctor basically said, 'What are the issues that you're dealing with?', and I said, 'Mate, I can't remember things. I really can't remember things.' I had a short sleeve shirt on, and I had goosebumps… he said don't be embarrassed. I could feel my face go red the first time (I asked for help), and I thought, 'You idiot, don't be embarrassed to ask for help.' 'A lot of the footy guys have come (to me with symptoms). We all could be a little bit different, but I say, 'Have you spoken to a doctor yet?', and they say no. And I'll say, you're seeking answers from me and I can't give you the answers, but the best assistance is only going to come from the medical staff. It's been good since (getting help)." Lewis recently married second wife Lynda, but his three children weren't in attendance at the wedding because they've sided with mother Jacqueline in a sad family situation. Lewis revealed this week how Lynda's support throughout his ordeal has been a game-changer. 'There is no cure. When (my doctor) delivered that sentence to me, it was a slap in the face," he said. "But by the same token, I was being a realist in not expecting marvellous things to happen. 'My partner Linda has been fantastic through it. She's been very patient, but the amount of times where I've seen this expression on her face… and I know that I've obviously said something (before) or said it wrong, and I said to her, 'Have I already said that?' and she'll say, 'Oh, two, three, four times.' I'm passed the embarrassed of being repetitive." RELATED: Laurie Daley makes eye-opening call on Ryan Papenhuyzen for Origin Panthers legend makes telling revelation amid footage of trainer Lewis' most harrowing insight came when he admitted he fears for his future. 'We all have cares and concerns with the hope we are not dealing with this in 10-20 years time," he said. "I am very hopeful and very determined that I can going to enjoy the rest of my life. But I don't want to be in a nursing home in the years to come.' Lewis played 256 first-grade games across a legendary career, and represented Queensland 38 times in State of Origin. He played 34 Test matches for Australia before transitioning into a career in the media after retirement. In recent years he's had to scale back his work for Channel 9, but is still involved on the 'QLDER' podcast with Darren Lockyer. The NRL world has been left devastated by Lewis' plight, but quick to commend his bravery and courage to speak out. The #NRL Great Wally #Lewis with early #Dementia from concussion repeated knocks to the head when playing! Sad. Very sad. Serious action to rectify safety required! — Jugador Apuestas (🎲)🇦🇺 (@JugadorSydney) February 27, 2024 Some very sad news. Wally Lewis, one of Queensland's greatest sportsmen, has been diagnosed with CTE, which is an advanced form of dementia. Due to his head collisions when he played Rugby League. — OZAbbey (@9AbbeyOZ) July 31, 2023 Ex-#NRL Wally Lewis' sad diagnosis with #CTE emphasises urgent need for high-profile footballers @DavidPocock and @peterfitzsmons to campaign to end head knocks. — Dr Michael Copeman (@drmcopeman) July 30, 2023
