Shows
Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyLife is what happens when you're busy making other plansThis episode Coombesy talks a lot about plans. Plans for when he's here, for when he's not, and the plans he made for a mate who had a theatre experience like no other! Please excuse a bit of noise on the feed (we were up against it) - and please hold dear those you love. We appreciate you, and ask if you need anything. With love, AMY! xx
2025-07-2943 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyDying is hard, Theatre is harderThis week Coombesy reports back on his epic Mega Dose of musical theatre and excellent humans - so joyful to hear his take as well as the spring in his step. Towards the end we do talk about some of the overarching themes, so there is a bit of talk about death if that triggers you or someone you love. As always, there is help available - please reach out. We appreciate you (and especially you, Colleen!)
2025-06-0558 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyMegadose of art therapyThis week Cooombesy talks about megadosing on the art therapy - a little unexpected mini festival he's undertaking that is happening around the time of a big anniversary for him too. We talk musicals, being a critic (or a selector) and of course Beetlejuice, new musicals and a bit of Rueben Kaye for good measure. As always, if you need anything please do reach out. We appreciate you x
2025-05-2747 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyExercise as (art) therapyThis week Coombesy talks about his new exercise work. Guided by heart specialists he's out (or inside) walking and cycling, as well as moving towards more mindful eating. We talk about the highs and lows, the temptation and motivation, all guided by Eddie Perfect's Beetlejuice, Wil Anderson's advice on bodies and a bit random lovely nonsense in between. As always, we appreciate you.
2025-04-2349 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyA Little Night MusicThis episode we talk a bit about all of the things - whatever music, or the rest, gets you through the night. While Coombesy works out the side effects (and sound effects) of some new meds, we give some special listener shout outs and some more comedy context. As always, we appreciate you - if you need anything, please do reach out. And look up funny monkey videos on the internet - they are always funny xx
2025-04-1150 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyTen years since Clown HeartHow well do you think your bum looks now, compared to 10 years ago? Two men who can do a confident comparison are our Coombesy, and Adam Hills. Hillsey got The Man up to get his gear off as part of an onstage gag a decade ago today for the show Clown Heart. This chat looks back at, well, that backside, to see how things have changed, how we all feel, and how comedy really is the best medicine. There's some heavy discussion here in the middle so if you're feeling a bit fragile feel free to skip or skip...2025-03-3149 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyTotal Eclipse of the Heart (and other bits)In this episode Coombesy's back from one expected procedure, and one very unexpected one. There's also a heroic feat in between, and a good chat about how music is medicine. With some fun recommendations (least of all with some more shameless Reuben Kaye love - especially for his Down Under), we're thrilled to be back. There's also a chat here about mental health struggles, so if you need something please remember services like Lifeline, Support Act and others - we, and they, appreciate you. Take good care xx
2025-03-1357 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyPreXmas Chat with the Sowell ManThis is a chat we recorded with our bestie Greg Sowell - it was before Christmas but only publishing now. You'll hear Coombesy is quite unwell and we need to finish up early - it's been his decision to post this anyway - not just because it's lovely to hear Christmas comparisons, but also in the interests of sharing -all in- as darling Connie told us. As always, we appreciate you
2025-01-3035 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesySmooth Operat(ion) musicThis week we talk about Coombesy's upcoming op, and importantly what music he should pick to help him calm, compose and reclaim some agency. It's a bit silly, a bit saucey, and very much open to your suggestions - we'd love to know what you would choose or think he should! Part 2 to come after is a pre-Christmas show we recorded with the Sowell man, which we explain here and will upload soon. As always, we appreciate you
2025-01-3052 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and Coombesy61 Not Out, 10 years of being In Cancer's Face (or Butt), and TattsThis episode we celebrate 10 years of the phrase 'In Your Face, Cancer, In Your Face!', talking about the unofficial art therapy of getting your butt out to the wind (with your besties) and the joy of Tatts. Also, Coombesy is 61 not out - woo hoo! As always, we appreciate you, and if you need something, please reach out to professionals xx
2024-12-1747 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyFood as art therapyThis episode Coombesy and Dr Liz talk about food - are we stretching the definition of Art? Maybe. But heavens it can help - food to comfort, food to support, food as a way to do something practical for someone at a time when other stuff just doesn't seem right. Hope it doesn't make you too hungry - and hand into the end for Liz's gourmet recipe for garlic bread :) As always, if you need anything, please reach out - we appreciate you
2024-11-0247 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyAfter StephenWe're back after a little break - thanks for hanging in - just Coombesy and Dr Liz this time. Talking about feedback from the Stephen ep, as well as the goings on from the last couple of weeks - Coombesy takes the lead with some chat towards the end about how fandom binds us and reminds us to take care of each other, and a little detail into the big birthday bash planned later in the year. As always, seek help whenever you need it - it doesn't need to be crisis point, it can just be the everyday...2024-10-2158 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyStephenIn this episode Coombesy, Liz and Greg Sowell, our lovely co-host from the Why Am I pod, talk about Stephen. You'll get to know why this is important, and he is important, as well as some literal coming together of unofficial and official forms of therapy. As always, ours is only well meaning so do seek professional advice if you need it, and a warning that this episode includes discussions about self harm so please do reach out if you need or skip along to another piece if you are feeling unable to listen to this today. Some of...2024-09-191h 14Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyBiography and autobiography as therapyYou heard it here first, friends - Coombesy is shaking the ol' family tree for some fruity funny nuggets! Well actually, we might have mentioned it before, but the idea here is to dig into how this works as unofficial art therapy - why telling stories helps, and who it can help, and how to make it funny. There's also some lovely appreciation happening (Liz's turn for a little cry this time), but a process of sharing, which we hope helps you as much as it does us. As always, for official and professional help please ask - we...2024-08-051h 11Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyIntroducing KTG and talking Daniel Sloss' DarkThis episode we bring back The Sowellman aka Greg Sowell from the Why Am I podcast, and introduce his partner in life, crime and pod today KTG (aka Kristy The Great). As well as being a legendary person in her own right , and we hear her story in this ep too, here we really value the insight she and Greg give on comedy, disability and who has a right to tell stories. Spurred on by Greg's suggestion we watch Daniel Sloss's 2018 special Dark, there was lots of laughing, a few near tears and of course plenty of Unofficial Art...2024-06-301h 12Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyHappy Birthday Peter BThis is a special Happy Birthday episode to the infamous 'Peter B'. Anyone who knows Coombesy's story knows of Peter B - the keeper of the bucket list and shorthand for the rock to Coombesy's role. Here Coombesy tells the origin story of their friendship, how they've grown together and how today (well very soon) will be a big milestone for the big B. We should all be so lucky to have someone as loving as him - and have that love so returned. We also start with a big of Unofficial Art Therapy in the form of chat...2024-06-1940 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyNaked Tuesday as Unofficial Art Therapy - featuring special guest Annabelle!This week we go naked! Coombesy fans will already know about Naked Tuesday - and if you're here because his Naked Tuesday Facebook page got you here, then extra special welcome! This week, along with longtime friend and Naked Tuesday community member Annabelle, we talk about how getting your kit off can help. And if you can't do yours, maybe watching other daft duffers can be just as good :) As always, remember just To Be or Not To Be is an achievement (and please ask for help if you need it). We appreciate you.
2024-05-271h 03Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Twenty - Wil MeaningA super short (for us) episode today - Coombesy has been 'in the Reuben' position for the last coupla days feeling particularly poorly, while Dr Liz has been out on the town seeing Wil Anderson's newbie Wiligitimate. A long time fan (first show was 2000 or 2001) it was fab to talk about how it's continued to go on, Coombesy's place from 'inside the circle', and of course, the Wil Meaning of it all. As always, we recommend unofficial art therapy to help, but if you need something more medical and precise (as opposed to delightful dick jokes) - then please...2024-05-1327 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Nineteen - We still heart Reuben Kaye and you should go see/hear him everywhereCoombesy and Dr Liz Heart Reuben Kaye. And it's not just because he's gorgeous (he is) or talented (also that) or hilarious (indeed) or with the voice of an angelic devil (and the Grammy goes too....). We love him because of the complexity and nuance of his work - both off stage and on - and the range of unofficial art therapies we've received as a result. If you don't know who Reuben is then waste no more time (!), but even if you don't know his work, use this chat as a way to consider how the artists you...2024-05-0151 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Eighteen - Bluey with Coombesy and Greg SowellWe're joined this episode by our favourite American Greg Sowell of Why Am I? Pod. This time Greg, Coombesy and Dr Liz unpack some recent Unofficial Art Therapy in the form of the Australian kids show and international phenomenon Bluey - a show that despite feeling very Aussie to us is translating all over the world. Come for the chat about kids shows and dog puns, and stay for the free Dad advice for these two legends. As always, we appreciate you - and a warning that if this episode brings up anything that you might need help with...2024-04-2358 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Seventeen - The GirlsIn this episode Coombesy introduces Dr Liz to two of his favourite humans, Julie and Mel. Like Madonna, Prince, Adele and Beyonce they are so fabulous that you only need their first names. Also like Madonna and co they know their way around a good live show, and in this episode we hear about their best. Come for the natter, stay for the sob in the middle, and don't mind the background noise (not a euphemism - it was a lovely but busy afternoon). As always, we appreciate you, and if you need help, please ask x
2024-04-141h 03Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Sixteen - Groundhog Day (with thanks to Kate and Karen - as well as Tim Minchin!)Hello dear Art Therapians (Artys? Artisterists? We're working on that!) Today Coombesy and Dr Liz talk about Groundhog Day the Musical - well Coombesy tells Dr Liz about it, and Dr Liz tries not to get too jealous! There are some spoilers from the Tim Minchin show here, but by now there's also lots already around about it so lean in or put this on pause until you've had a chance to see if if you're able to. As part of the chat we also talk about meeting famous people (what to do, and not to do), and generally...2024-04-031h 01Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Fifteen - Emma PowellThis episode Coombesy and I have the great pleasure of talking to Emma Powell - an Australian legend of multi arts and culture. Here Coombesy admits to having seen Emma live 50 times (more than her family!) but we also get to hear about how deserved that is - what a talented, practical and just bloody lovely person she is. We cut it a bit short because Coombesy's bed was calling, but we'll try to do a part 2 if Emma's not too scared off by us. Do look her up if you haven't before, and as always, take care xx2024-03-0333 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Fourteen - Welcome to 2024Welcome to 2024 friends - we're so glad we're all here. This ep is the first catch up in a while - Coombesy gives some of his highlights from 2023 as well as some wishes for 2024, while Dr Liz mostly listens in awe and with the possible promise of baggsing an extra special guest in the coming months. It's a bit raw and loose, but just as we like it. As always, if you need something, please ask. We appreciate you x
2024-01-0148 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Thirteen - Grease (is the word)This piece of unofficial art therapy celebrates the gentle art of watching your favourite flick, even though you've seen it 10000 times already, on TV just ONE MORE TIME given it's on right now. Yes, you could watch it on demand anytime and you know how it ends and every word in between, but there's something about watching it in real time, ads and all, that's hard to resist. This film is Grease for Coombesy and Dr Liz - and while we talk about lots of other stuff too, it's really about that comfort that comes from that thing that...2023-11-2941 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Twelve - Birthday CakesThis episode we stretch a bit to talk about Birthday Days as Unofficial Art Therapy. Hear us out though - what's better in terms of building happy memories, serving happy tummies and showing and feeling love? Whether it was an old school tin and smarties, the wonder of the Women's Weekly Birthday Book or some new wonderful wizardry, let's hope that you leave us a bit happier, if not a bit hungrier. As always, we appreciate you x
2023-11-2144 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyBonus Episode - Full Ted Lasso with us and Greg SowellSo doing rundowns with Greg Sowell is something we're loving doing - so much so that here's another one. Hopefully you'll love it too - come for the secret men's business and arguments over who the best Ted Lasso character actually is, and stay for the insights into how Ted really is here, among us, with these conversations. As always, ask if you need anything, we appreciate you. Also this one starts with a swear so fast forward the first couple of minutes if you don't like those - and a lovely memory of Cal Wilson - do stay...2023-10-2458 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode 11 - Behind The Curtain of Music Theatre with Alana Tranter and Joe KoskyWe're so lucky to have two amazing guests with us this week, Alana Tranter and Joe Kosky. Not only is Coombesy well across their work (so much he gives better CVs than LinkedIn - you watch), we also talk how about how musical theatre and sport really IS related, what happens when you're not on stage and some other fun behind the scenes stuff. We also pay small tribute at the end to Cal Wilson, an amazing member of the Australian arts community who we lost this week. Lots of love to you all xx
2023-10-1249 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode 10 - Coombesy IS Ted LassoAh, friends, Ted Lasso. We know it's now technically over (or at least for now, as the wonderful makers have said), but Coombesy's just catching up and damn it's wonderful to relive. If you're already onboard come for the ride- with wonderful insight from Coombesy's previous experience as a coach - fact and fiction really crossing over at times. If you've still not got onboard, then maybe use this as an intro. And remember, we're UNOFFICIAL art therapy - if you need the real stuff, get in there. Just like Ted, there's no shame in asking. As always, we a...2023-10-0538 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Nine - doing Comedy with Adam RichardAdam Richard is a national bloody treasure here in Australia. Self proclaimed as the Fabulous Adam Richard, we happily sing it loud and proud and with no prompting as well. A standup, podcaster, broadcaster, writer, sometime actor and general amazing person, we howled with (sometimes a bit naughty) laughter, and we hope you do too. As always, ask for professional help if that's what you're needing, and in the meantime, just enjoy the ride. We appreciate you.
2023-09-1945 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode 8 - Music with Matthew SlagerIn this episode Coombesy and Dr Liz talk to musician and teacher Matthew Slager. Although they've never met in real life (and maybe never will), Matt and Coombesy have an amazing bond. Music is not a universal language, but instead a really special and distinct one - it means so many different things to different people - and that's what's so incredible about it. If you want to know more about Matt you can follow/hear him at Instagram @chewiepix
Facebook @Acoustic Autograph; or YouTube at Hachewie (where he also talks motor bikes) https://www.youtube.com/@hachewie...2023-09-1258 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyBonus Episode - Talking ”In and of itself” with Greg SowellBonus episode time, friends! Our lovely guest Greg Sowell is back again - he recommended that Coombesy and Dr Liz watch In and Of Itself - a one man show by Derek DelGaudio - originally live but we watched the recording on Disney + here in Australia (not sure where else it is in the world, but you're all clever, you can find things). We had lots of thoughts - some really insightful, others really silly. We started literally with potty talk - so if that's not you, skip ahead the first 15 minutes or so. As always, we are well...2023-09-071h 15Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Seven - Musical TheatreHere Coombesy tells some great stories about the Melbourne musical theatre folk he knows as the joy (and art therapy) of musical theatre. Dr Liz chimes in with awe and fangirliness - also remembering how Sydney's not as cool as it thinks it is, but also that musical theatre can also be on TV, on Disney, and wherever you get it. As always, we are only well meaning not actual practitioners of well being, so if you need proper advice please ask. We appreciate you x
2023-09-0544 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Six - Podcasting with Greg SowellPlease welcome our first guest to Unofficial Art Therapy - Greg Sowell. A legend of a guy, a prolific podcaster with the Why Am I pod and someone who's just generally lovely to listen to, in this episode we talk podcasting as therapy, Coombesy and Greg compare hairstyles and we learn the origins of Dr Pepper. Like Liz, not a real Dr, but still lots of fun. As always, if you need anything, please ask. We appreciate you.
2023-08-281h 18Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Five - SportCoombesy is not only a former medical professional, but also sport professional. And still, Dr Liz makes up with what she lacks in experience with enthusiasm. Here we talk about sport as therapy - not just the physical side of doing it (which of course we know - any movement can help if you can get to it) - but also the mental support that being a supporter of any kind can provide. Get into footy, swimming, chess, gaming - whatever it is - if it helps you, then we're here for it. As always, do reach out for...2023-08-2153 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Four - We Heart Reuben KayeCoombesy and Dr Liz love Reuben Kaye and we don't care who knows it. Actually, we want everyone to know. He counts as (unofficial) art therapy for us because of his talent, his love, his wickedness and his beautiful boldness - a true innovator who Coombesy is lucky enough to know as a friend and who has knocked Dr Liz's socks off. Not like that, dirty listener! But Reuben, if you're ever lonely....
2023-08-141h 11Unofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Three - Music Videos and Cover VersionsMusic videos and cover versions are everywhere, and we love their constant companionship. Bring your own faves to the episode, including our recommendations for the best songs for surgery and how video has only helped the radio star. Harry Styles! Reuben Kaye! All the beautiful people, they're all here. It may not fix you, but it certainly can't hurt.
2023-08-0757 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode Two - TelevisionIn this episode Coombesy and Dr Liz talk about Television - watching it, being on it, watching it being made, and the general joy it is to have a moving art gallery in your lounge room. Come for the stories of Coombesy's near mega quiz win, stay for Liz's swooning of baby Wil Anderson and vomit advice from Adam Hills. Or was it the other way around? Either way, remember this is just a serving suggestion - if you need help, please ask. We appreciate you x
2023-07-3153 minUnofficial Art Therapy with Dr Liz and CoombesyEpisode One - Coombesy and The Doctor - working on unofficial Art TherapyWelcome! In this episode we do a bit of an intro as well as a deep dive into Coombesy's backstory - a former nurse and paramedic, now lover of arts of all forms. Dr Liz chimes in too - a Doctor of Media, Music and Cultural Studies for her art is a way of keeping sane, staying grounded and connecting. Be it Shakespeare or (Harry) Styles, it's all good if it helps you. There are a few swears here, and also some talk of dark times. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, please reach out x
2023-07-2549 min