Shows
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 134 The author who bases her books on her expat life, the new cheap trip planner & avoiding disease when you travelAndrea Barton started her career as an electrical engineer, but when her husband was offered a job overseas, it changed the entire course of her career.Now award-winning author of the Jade Riley Mysteries, owner of a book editing company called Brightside Story Studio, and Vice President of the Mansfield Readers & Writers festival, Andrea bases all her books on the places she has lived around the world. From Nigeria, the US and Qatar to Melbourne, we chat about why these destinations are so pivotal to the stories she tells, and she has some writing advice f...
2026-02-1848 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 133 Hot springs bathing around the world, UK visa changes and inflight skincare tipsSupport the pod on Ko-Fi, click hereBefore he founded the Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula, 21 years ago, Charles Davidson began exploring thermal springs sites around the world.His quest has now taken him to 57 countries to explore their bathing cultures, from Iran to Japan, Tanzania to Yemen."I really wanted to understand that hot springs had nothing to do with money or wealth, it was all to do with nature and human connection," says Charles of his experiences in Yemen, one of the world's poorest countries. "The gift from mother...
2026-02-1143 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 124 Last-minute travel Christmas gifts & how to max your holidays in 2026Shopping for the traveller in your life this Christmas? Tune in as our tech hound and sound producer Alaisdair Leith teams up with host Belle Jackson to bring you our best last-minute gifts. Also, get planning for your 2026 travels and get holiday maxxing - the art of maximising public holidays to get more time away, without the pay cut. Our Christmas wishlist includes three great Australian designed products from Belle and Alaisdair's Techxmas trio, with a bonus cheapie perfect for summer holidays.Zoomlite Glide top-opening suitcase Ditch the space-hogging clamshell suitcase wi...
2025-12-1042 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 100 We've hit 100 episodes! Our picks of the best episodes; our most bizarre travel moments & win a holiday in Thailand!The World Awaits has hit a remarkable milestone, celebrating its 100th episode!To get the party started, Avani Hotels & Resorts has partnered with us for a listener giveaway a tropical holiday in Thailand! To enter, simply like, follow and tag a friend on our Instagram page here. On this special episode, our sound producer Alaisdair Leith joins us, and we chat about our favourite guests over the last two years (after all, there are now 100 to choose from!)And it's time to ask ourselves the question we a...
2025-06-2526 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 82 New travel gear; world's most polite drivers & the UK's new visaHow do you get more real estate in an economy airline seat? Tech reviewer Alaisdair Leith rounds up some great new travel gear - with a seriously unexpected find... His new travel gear recommendations are:Ninja water bottleBellroy Lite Travel PackSony in-ear headphonesThe Bevledge - ta-da!and Belle's addition, thanks to guide James Burt of the Tasmanian Walking Company, is the Wollemi 90 Ultralight Expedition packAlso, Kirstie and Belle chat about their recent stay at the newly reopened Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall, and bring you t...
2025-02-1943 minThe World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 62 How to live a nomadic life; Intrepid's ‘not-hot’ list & what time should you really get to the airport?Living a nomadic life; the ‘not-hot’ list and airport departure timesHave you ever dreamt of packing it all in and travelling the world? That’s what Tim and Sharyn Nilsen have done and the only retirement plans they have are to keep ticking off the list of countries they visit – well, those that are left. This week, Sharyn gives some great advice as to how you can do it too. https://catchourtravelbug.comWe also cover Intrepid Travel’s ‘not-hot’ list, a reaction against overtourism. These are their top picks of the best lesser-kn...
2024-10-0243 minThe World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 57 Secrets of the Blue Zones (places people live the longest, healthiest lives) & the best places for a romantic getawayThis week we reveal the secrets of the Blue Zones – where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Blue Zone Vice President Nick Buettner explains how they discovered Blue Zones, the habits of those living there, and lessons you can learn from visiting these regions. And the Netflix show Nick mentions is Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones see netflix.com/title/81214929 We also reveal new research from Emirates that shows where Aussies are travelling, and share some quirky hotels for an unforgettable honeymoon, with luxury hotel travel booker Mr & Mrs Smith.Follow Kirstie Bed...
2024-08-2840 minThe World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustWinter Series #2: Talking travel gear, whale swims, a Victorian love letterNeed some travel tech or gear inspo? We’ve got you covered this week, with Belle and our producer Alaisdair Leith back behind the mic. We’ve also teamed up with Gypsea Loop to give away a gorgeous Hair Tie Bangle, talk whale swims and Rick Stein's NSW hotel, pop into Melbourne bar Brass Monkey’s love letter to Victoria, and stay at the W Sydney. Here's our travel gear hotlist:Gypsea Loop Hair Tie Bangle, our gorgeous giveaway, is designed by Tracy Morris of The Blonde Nomads Australian travelling family. In plated gold or silver...
2024-07-0335 minThe World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustWinter Series #1: The Big Guns - the TV star & the animal welfare defenderWelcome to the winter series, where we talk to two of the biggest influences in the travel industry. He’s eaten tarantulas, jumped out of planes, dropped his kilt while Highland dancing and even…gone camping *quelle horreur!* Kevin Moloney, together with his wife Janetta Stones, are 'the snobby travellers' on the incredibly successful Travel Guides show on Nine network. See https://www.9now.com.au/travel-guidesAlso this week, should you wash that elephant in Thailand? Adventure World managing director Neil Rodgers chats about the importance of ethical travel and how to ensure you are do...
2024-06-2651 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 25 Author and adventurer Laura Waters' on how walking the length of NZ changed her life & cruising in NorwayEver think about quitting your corporate job and following a life-long dream? Laura Waters did, and she’s now an award-winning author, travel writer and speaker. Laura talks about hiking the length of New Zealand in a life-changing experience that led to her to write her travel memoir, Bewildered, see soultrekkers.com.au Belle teams up with and entertainment and travel writer Alaisdair Leith to share their best travel gifts for Christmas… shouting out to great Melbourne brands including Bellroy tech bags, Tina M Copenhagen hats, Knotty Towel Turkish towels and Frank Green cups!And Kirst...
2023-12-1357 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 23 What's it like doing the Big Lap around Australia with kids in tow & the Spice roads with Ian Herbie HemphillHave you ever wanted to pack everything up and do the Big Lap around Australia? Kirianna Poole did, and so along with her husband, they bought a vintage camper, refitted it, and with a toddler in tow, circumnavigated Australia. They’ve now also covered the length of New Zealand and have Japan in their sights. Kiri talks to Kirstie about her book, The Slow Road Cookbook, her remarkable journey (and two more pregnancies along the way), some of her favourite spots to stop, and her love of cooking on the road, See theslowroad_ on Insta. “The sp...
2023-11-2946 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 17 On Country in Kakadu & experienced nutritionist and weight loss coach on keeping your gut healthy when you travelBininj man Ben Tyler talks to Belle about growing up in what’s now Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory. The creator of the Dird Full Moon Feasts at Cooinda Lodge, Ben talks about foraging for bush tucker, speaking language and the power of Country. To find out more about the Dird dinners and travelling in Kakadu, visit kakadukitchen.com.au To learn more about the Bininj Kunwok language of West Arnhem Land, visit njamed.com Also, nutritionist Sheryl Takayama shares some great tips on how to keep your stomach healthy while you’re travelling. Sheryl, whose clients incl...
2023-10-1947 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 16 Wine writer Max Allen on Australia’s alternative wines & new wellness escapes in southeast AsiaWhere do you go to step off the beaten track of wine – away from the unholy trinity of chardonnay, shiraz and sauvignon blanc? Author and wine writer Max Allen talks to Belleabout his new book, Alternative Reality: How Australian wine changed course. The book includes the best cellar doors in Australia where you can explore the exciting alternative grape varieties we’re drinking (or should be drinking) now. Keep listening to the end to hear his hot tip of the next big grape varietal… See melbournebooks.com.au ...
2023-10-1250 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 15 The long road to restore tourism in Morocco after the earthquakes that killed more than 2,900Morocco is a country that relies heavily on tourism, and it has a long road ahead to recover from the devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,900 people when it struck the High Atlas Mountain range near Marrakech just weeks ago. Australian David Mannix of Arcadia Expeditions, who lives in Marrakech, talks about his experience “being shot around like a pinball” during the quake and how you can best support the North African nation. We also talk to By Prior Arrangement’s lead guide in Marrakech, Abdellah Amghar, who explains why you need to make sure you do...
2023-10-1145 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 13 K-Pop, cute guesthouses and street food in South Korea & how to help keep ancient traditions alive when you travelK-Pop, too-cute hanok guesthouses and some of the world’s best street food: travel consultant Lachlan Woodland talks about why you need to get on board the next flight to Korea. Also, Toni Ambler of The Travel Corporation on how you can help keep ancient traditions alive – from weaving to flamenco – by travelling responsibly. We also talk about how you prepare to go on a wellness retreat, and finally - comfort seeker or mindful traveller? The latest research from booking.com says we’re one of four travel types - which one are you?
2023-09-0648 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 12 Exploring Bali off the beaten track & Unforgettable wildlife encounters with photographer Rachelle MackintoshHave the best wildlife encounter (best for you, best for the wildlife), and is Bali really all it’s cracked up to be? Also, sip your way around the world at these leading wine destinations and find out how you can while away your time (for free!) at the airport. What an episode!Kirstie catches up with award-winning wildlife photographer and journalist Rachelle Mackintosh to chat about the powerful impact of seeing wildlife in their domain. She shares hair-raising tiger encounters, talks of her obsession with sighting whales, and explains how yo...
2023-08-3141 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 8 Walking the Camino de Santiago with a tour guide who has done it 35 times & we go set-jettingWe pick some of the most scenic movies now showing at the Melbourne International Film Festival, and find out what it’s like to walk the Camino de Santiago 35 times. We’ll also reveal the world’s most powerful passport and ask which is cheaper; a hotel or Airbnb?Glenyce Johnston, founder of small group walking tour company, Wandering the World, talks to Kirstie Bedford about why she packed in her corporate career to wander the Camino de Santiago. She has since visited 136 countries across every continent and walked the Camino 35 times. ...
2023-08-0236 min
The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlustEP 2 Why you need a soulful escape in India with life coach and tour leader Jo Langhorne & skiing in VictoriaWe're taking you to India, to the Victorian ski fields and to Italy. Life coach and tour leader Jo Langhorne of Soulful Escapes talks about how truly transformational travel can be, and why India tops her list for travel destinations that will change you, www.soulfulescapes.com.auAlso, as the Australia ski season kicks off this weekend, we catch up with Vail International Resort’s Emily Smith from her base at Hotham ski resort in northern Victoria to hear what’s happening on and off the slopes, www.vail.comAnd finally, movie buff...
2023-06-0739 min
Let's Go To The MoviesJohn Wick 4This week we review RRR for Movie Club.
New releases - John Wick 4 & Living get Alaisdair's seal of approval.
2023-03-2806 minLet's Go To The MoviesShazam! Fury of the Gods / Of An AgeThis week Alaisdair talks new film Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Of An Age.
Movie club this week is Emily the Criminal on Binge.
2023-03-1604 minLet's Go To The MoviesLet's All Go To The OscarsAl hits the studio early this week to recap the Oscars for 2023!
Who were the winners? Who were the clean sweeps? Listen and find out!
2023-03-1407 minLet's Go To The MoviesCreed III / Empire of LightThis week we talk new releases Creed III and Empire of Light
2023-03-0904 minLet's Go To The MoviesScream 6/ Till/ ChampionsThis week we talk Shotgun Wedding in Movie Club.
New release reviews for Till, Champions & Scream 6.
2023-03-0904 minLet's Go To The MoviesCocaine BearThis week we talk about new release Cocaine Bear & Aftersun FINALLY hits Australian cinemas.
2023-02-2805 minLet's Go To The MoviesAnt-Man & The Wasp QuantumaniaThis week I talk about Ant-Man & The Wasp Quantumania, Titanic 3D and this week's movie club is Episode 3 of The Last of Us.
2023-02-1704 minLet's Go To The MoviesKnock At the Cabin / TarThis week I take a look at M.Night Shyamalan's Knock at the Cabin and Cate Blanchett's career-defining performance in Tar.
2023-02-0903 min
Let's Go To The MoviesSpoiler Alert / Magic Mike 3This week I talk new releases Spoiler Alert and Magic Mike 3.
Movie Club is The Menu on Disney +
Listen in live Thursday mornings only on Joy 94.9
2023-02-0905 min
The BizzleCast Podcast by The BizzleA BizzleCast Classic: Alaisdair Leith joins The Bizzle to Deep Dive OG BLACK PANTHER (2018)2018: AU’s awesomest nerd journalist Alaisdair Leith of Novastream and beyond returns to the podcast!! It’s been almost 15 years since I first spent time in Africa and fell in love with the people of the Light Continent, so I need all the perspective possible on what people new to African culture think of BLACK PANTHER. Luckily, I have awesome friends and colleagues coming on to talk about it, and it’s fitting that Alaisdair from Novastream Network is the first, as you’ll hear in a podcast that I still love to revisit and Alaisdair has some great insights that are...
2022-11-091h 53
World Of Screens PodcastMonthly Movie Marathon - August 2021 - James Gunn movies w/ Alaisdair Leith from Leithal ReviewsOn this episode of Monthly Movie Marathon, Nick (instagram.com/nicksflicksfix) is joined by editor in chief of Novastream Network, Alaisdair Leith to talk all things James Gunn, leading up to the release of The Suicide Squad, in cinemas August 5 thanks to Warner Bros Australia.If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing and following me on Instagram! The support is truly appreciated!Audio clips from:Slither used courtesy of Gold Circle FilmsSuper used courtesy of This Is That ProductionsGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 + 2 used courtesy of Marvel Studios
2021-07-292h 11
The BizzleCast Podcast by The BizzleA BizzleCast Classic: Alaisdair RETURNS! & joins The Bizzle to Deep Dive BLACK PANTHER (2018)2018: AU’s awesomest nerd journalist Alaisdair Leith of Novastream and beyond returns to the podcast!! It’s been almost 15 years since I first spent time in Africa and fell in love with the people of the Light Continent, so I need all the perspective possible on what people new to African culture think of BLACK PANTHER. Luckily, I have awesome friends and colleagues coming on to talk about it, and it’s fitting that Alaisdair from Novastream Network is the first, as you’ll hear in a podcast that I still love to revisit and Alaisdair has some great insights that are...
2020-09-031h 41
The BizzleCast Podcast by The BizzleThe BizzleCast: AU Novastram's Alasidair RETURNS! To discuss vidya games & DC FandomeDC Fandome aka Comic-Con was a MASSIVE success, and DC Comics superfan Alaisdair Leith from Australia’s Novastream and his brand Leithal Live is here to break down the two phenomenal looking video games, GOTHAM KNIGHTS (we got Barbara Gordon!!) and SUICIDE SQUAD: KILL THE JUSTICE LEAGUE. Other video games on the docket are ASSASSIN’S CREED ODYSSEY which we are *obsessed* with as well as THE WITCHER 3 and THE WITCHER series, ANIMAL CROSSING, STARDEW VALLEY, all the amazing PS4 Exclusives, and thoughts about the next generation of consoles. So great to have him back, join us to nerd out on t...
2020-08-292h 09