The Confab with Michael G

A program of conversations with people from Canberra and around the world.

2xxFM 98.3

The Confab with Michael G

A program of conversations with people from Canberra and around the world.

2xxFM 98.3

media platforms

Radio

The Confab is broadcast on a Thursday night after the 6 pm news on 2xxfm 98.3 Canberra Australia.

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Streaming - Australia

The Confab is being streamed on 2xxfm Canberra Australia

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ON DEMAND

Six recent Australian episodes of the Confab are available on demand on 2xxfm Canberra website

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Podcast

The Confab with Michael G is now available as a Podcast. Previous programs are being progressively uploaded to your favorite Podcast streaming site, search under “The Confab with Michael G”

Streaming - UK

The Confab is being streamed in the UK on Spectrum on Air

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Spectrum on Air Previous - Episodes Podcasts

Programs that have been streamed on Spectrum on Air can be accessed on Spreaker.

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This week after the 6 PM NEWS Thursdays on 2xxfm

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH EMMA THURSDAY 30 DECEMBER

Emma is an emerging ceramic artist from Canberra, creating jewellery and homewares.

Emma trained in Silversmithing at the Canberra School of Art in 1999 before transitioning to a career in counselling and community education, working with young people experiencing barriers to participating fully in education and employment.

Emma kept up an art practice on the side as a hobby, including studying to be an Ikebana teacher. In 2008 Emma enrolled in a pottery class at her local arts centre. and since then Emma has been building up her ceramic skills before launching 'The Seasonal Ceramicist' label in 2018. Emma now works part-time in education policy and part-time running 'The Seasonal Ceramicist'.

We talk about her childhood, her artistic passion.

Join me this Thursday on the Confab with Michael G to gain an insight to Emma and her journey.

WEB SITE

The Confab - on demand on 2xxfm website

The Confab In Conversation with Tina 23 December

Meet Tina from Denmark and has settled in the Southern Highlands, from the Nordic region to the artist center of the southern highlands.

Tina has established a company that taps into our artistic endeavours.

We talk about her childhood, her artistic passion.

Join me this Thursday on the Confab with Michael G to gain an insight to Tina and her journey.

The Confab in Conversation with Steve 16 December

The Confab In Conversation with Tina 23 December

You may have seen a short story about Steve on our local ABC nightly news program about how the gift of music is changing the life of Canberra's school students. Steve works with St Vincent de Paul by providing free music lessons.

For the best part of a decade, Steve has opened his door free-of-charge to kids on the margins, to share the "gift of music" with those who couldn't normally afford it. His motto is, I want to celebrate the gift of music, and spread the word.

Steve is a Classical Guitarist influenced by Flamenco, Jazz, Fingerpicking and Folk. He has Performed with artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, Victor Borge, Slava Grigoryan, Riley Lee and William Barton, Grace Knight, Yothu Yindi and Sirocco.

Join me this Thursday night to gain an insight into his life journey and passions.

The Confab - PODCASTS

The Confab In Conversation with Dianne

The Confab in conversation with Catherine

The Confab In Conversation with Dianne

Meet Dianne who has worked tirelessly with St Vinnies in one of their local night patrol vans, camp quality and the Orange Sky Van. I first meet Dianne at the Griffin Center helping people wash their clothes.

The Orange Sky van provides a platform for every day Australians to connect through a regular laundry and shower service. The focus is on creating a safe, positive and supportive environment for people who are too often ignored or who feel disconnected from the community.

Their volunteers are not social workers or experts on homelessness - they are empathetic listeners and great conversationalists.

We talk about her passions and what supporting really means.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

The Confab in conversation with Stu

The Confab in conversation with Catherine

The Confab In Conversation with Dianne

Stu is an artisan (Chocolatier) who creates wonderful chocolate delights from cacao beans and other ingredients.

He has a passion and philosophy that chocolate is an ingredient full of characters, complexities and stories, and not just something that coats a confectionery bar.

He is based in Canberra and specialise in handmade multi-award-winning artisan style chocolate truffles, bars and unique items using chocolate made from cocoa beans sourced from different regions all around the world. He also has worked in a number of Michelin hatted restaurants.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

The Confab in conversation with Catherine

The Confab in Conversation with Szusza and Glenda Pt1

Catherine Sarah is an emerging singer/songwriter, releasing her debut EP, In Plain Sight, on January 8. Catherine was born in Canberra, studied at the ANU and is currently studying Medicine in Newcastle.

Her music is a reflection of her life experiences and is a talented singer and songwriter. We gain an understanding what has influenced her life choices.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

The Confab in Conversation with Szusza and Glenda Pt1

The Confab in Conversation with Szusza and Glenda Pt 2

The Confab in Conversation with Szusza and Glenda Pt1

In part 1 you will meet 2 seasoned musicians who met by chance earlier this year and decided to get together to play songs they grew up with. Glenda (lead guitar and vocals) and Szusza (bass guitar and background vocals) and are both transgender women.

You will be privileged to hear two original tracks composed and written by the band.

We talk about their musical careers, passions and life stories over two episodes of the Confab.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into their passions and life journey.

The Confab in Conversation with Szusza and Glenda Pt 2

In part 2 you will hear a narrative and provide you with an opportunity to understand what being transgender is like, as Szusza and Glenda cover a range of transgender issues and their stories We talk about their musical careers, passions and life stories over two episodes of the Confab.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into their passions and life journey.

The Confab in Conversation with Michael P

The Confab in Conversation with Szusza and Glenda Pt 2

Michael is currently Director of Diagnostic Haematology at the Canberra Hospital, ACT Pathology and Consultant Haematologist with responsibility for inpatients and outpatients.

He is actively involved in teaching and lecturing medical students at Australian National University, ANU Medical School, and participates as investigator and sub-investigator for clinical trials and research in leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, thrombosis and inherited bleeding disorders.

He is also passionate about participating in choir music.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

The Confab in Conversation with Emma

Gemma is an Australian Paralympic swimmer and medical doctor and a Reverend in the Anglican Church. Gemma went on to win gold, silver and bronze medals at two Paralympic Games — in Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000. Gemma was born in Canberra.

Gemma has an interest in music, playing the organ and cello and singing, and plays the cello with the Australian Doctors' Orchestra.

Join me on the Confab with Gemma to gain an insight into her life journey and passions.

The Confab in Conversation with Mim

The Confab in Conversation with Emma

Meet Mim, an artist who used to reside in the Southern Highlands and is now a resident of the local area, who has exhibition in a local emporium. We hear her story about making the transition from the medical profession to a portrait artist with a unique style.

Her reasons for painting are simple. Through life’s journey, sentimentality never became part of her state of being. Thus she paints in order to preserve and maintain a memory, of places, people and things, through painting I keep the location, the people alive, reminding others of what exists. Once she paints something, Mim give it life, even if it’s only in her own heart. John Singer Sergeant best sums it up by saying, “every time I paint a portrait I lose a best friend”. ….thus I continue to paint.

Join me on the Confab with Gemma to gain an insight into her life journey and passions.

The Confab in Conversation with Ashley

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G THURSDAY IN CONVERSATION WITH NATE

Ashley is a leading philanthropist with a deep appreciation for performing and visual arts. She is currently a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW, and has served as director of Opera Australia Capital Fund since 2014.

Over the last thirty years, Ashley has been a member of the board of Festival of Sydney, the National Art School, the National Gallery of Australia Council and Foundation, the National Institute of Dramatic Arts and more. She has written three books: Ripe Energy (Pemberly Press, 2005), On Our Terms (Pemberly Press, 2011), and A Particular Woman (Ventura Press, 2020).

Ashley continues to study and lecture on French decorative arts and history, and in early 2020 was awarded the Chevalier des arts et des lettres by the French Government.

Join me on the Confab to gain an understanding of her life and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G THURSDAY IN CONVERSATION WITH NATE

You will meet Nate a meteorologist, oceanographer, Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant and the weather presenter on the National ABC’s News Breakfast.

When Nate Byrne left his job as a Naval Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy to present the weather on ABC’s News Breakfast it was a dream come true. In fact, it was the beginning of a surprising whole new chapter. Since 2017 the boy from Mullaloo has been a familiar face to millions of early risers tuning in for their fill of morning news, sport and of course, weather.

We talk about his childhood and his passions.

Join me ion the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL IN CONVERSATION WITH THE MAMMALS

Meet Mike and Ruthie the founding members and principal songwriters of the US band the Mammals. The Mammals are a contemporary folk-rock band based in the Hudson Valley area of New York, in the United States.

The band were going to perform at this year’s (2019) Canberra National Folk festival, and they would have returned for 2021, however this event was also be cancelled due to Covid 19.

The Mammals sing and play in a style heavily influenced by traditional folk, soul, old-time, blues, Cajun, Celtic and rock and roll. Their lyrics sometimes address political and environmental concerns; topics such as war, social justice, and sustainability.
We talk about their passions, musical careers and their love of music.

Join me on the Confab gain an insight to their passions and life journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH ROBYN

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL IN CONVERSATION WITH THE MAMMALS

Science journalist and broadcaster Robyn presents RN's The Science Show and Ockham's Razor. He has conducted countless interviews with scientists on ABC TV on programs such as Quantum and Catalyst, narrated the Nature of Australia series and appeared in World Safari with David Attenborough.

Roybn was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and educated in Vienna and London. He graduated from the University of London with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. During this period, he was active in university acting and, like many other notable students, made guest appearances in BBC series The Goodies, Monty Python's Flying Circus and Doctor Who.

Join me on the Confab with Michael G to gain an insight into his life journey and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH TINY

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION ITH VANITA AND LEXXIE

Meet Tiny who was the co-founder of The Green Shed. Locals have purchased nearly 69 million items sold by the iconic Canberra business since it first opened its doors in 2010.

The enterprise has saved more than 65,000 tonnes of goods from going to landfill. And they’ve given away almost 3.4 million items of clothing. But the milestone they celebrated in March 2020 was making more than $1 million in donations.

Tiny has taken on a new adventure, opening a maze and amusement park in his home country of Serbia which he and his wife have been building for the past seven years.

If you have donated a skateboard to Canberra's recycling shop the Green Shed in the past few years - the chances are, it is on its way to Serbia.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight to Tiny passions and his life journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION ITH VANITA AND LEXXIE

A masters in Forensic Medicine provides the participants expertise and specialised knowledge enabling them to become highly sought after in the forensic medical, or science fields. Building on their qualification in medicine and associated disciplines , they will be able to apply your knowledge in the interests of justice.

Tonight you will meet two key people who are instrumental in this program and we talk about gaining an understanding of the provision of medical and forensic care of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and a understanding of the sex industry and people engaged in this industry.

Join me on the Confab with Michael G to gain an insight into their story and the program.

This program covers a number of issues associated with the sex industry, which may offend some listeners.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH WALLID

If you have visited the Fyshwick markets on the weekend you may have meet Walid inspiring the general public about the merits of mangos, or if you want expert advice on what to buy, he’s the man who you go to get his wise advice on what in season.

Tonight, we get to known his story, about his young life in war torn Lebanon, his journey to Australia and interest in marine life.

Join me ton the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH VANITA

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH WALLID

We will meet Dr Vanita Parekh OAM who is a senior staff specialist in sexual health and forensic medicine based in Canberra. Vanita is the director of the Clinical Forensic Medicine Services which includes the provision of medical and forensic care to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence funded under health.

Vanita established a clinical forensic medical service almost overnight following a rape case in Canberra. 17 years later her work has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for Significant service to medicine as a specialist in the fields of sexual health and forensic medicine.

Join me the Confab to gain an insight into passions and life journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH NURGAL

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH CAROLINE

Nurgul is a Uyghur community leader based in Canberra. Nurgul campaigns for Uyghurs to promote and advocate for the human rights and democratic freedoms for the Uyghurs and other Turkic people in East Turkistan (referred to in China as “Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region”).
She has mobilizes individuals and the international community to build bridges to take action on behalf of and to raise public awareness of the Uyghur issue with a special focus on Uyghur women and youth, and to activate persons and entities to work together to stop the systematic human rights abuses against the people of East Turkistan.
Join me on the Confab to gain an insight to her life and passions.

Tonight, we get to known his story, about his young life in war torn Lebanon, his journey to Australia and interest in marine life.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight into his passions and life journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH CAROLINE

Caroline is a proud Ngunnawal woman who is dedicated to uniting people from all nations and walks of life.

A true champion of Aboriginal Culture, Caroline’s efforts have enhanced and grown the capacity of the Yurauna Centre to meet the needs of the community – while ensuring that preserving cultural heritage remains the essence of the Centre’s work.

As a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, Caroline generously gives much of her time to improving the lives of others and provides a shining example of what can be achieved in the community.

Join me on the Confab with Michael G to gain an insight into her story and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH PHOENIX KINGS

Michael is currently co-host of the ABC's breakfast program News Breakfast alongside Lisa Millar and is the ABC's senior network presenter.

Michael was previously North America correspondent and during his posting covered stories including the election of Barack Obama as US President, the outbreak of the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the Virginia Tech massacre and David Hicks release from Guantanamo Bay.

He is a seasoned journalist and broadcaster, he has spent more than 25 years covering some of the biggest stories in Australia and around the world.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight to his life and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH PHOENIX KINGS

The Phoenix Kings band are a alt-rock pub band from Canberra. Their music is fast-paced with an Australian feel. They have been influenced by blues-rock bands of yesterday like Led Zep, ACDC, Angels, Screaming Jets but with a modern feel.

The band comprises Dion (vocals/rhythm guitar, song writer), Andrew (lead guitar), Paul (bass) and Brett (drums).

Their first album, ‘Yesterday Knows’ an independent, was a digital release in February and contains 12 tracks with a unique Aussie theme. One track has cracked the 1,000 hits.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight into a couple of band members life journeys and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH ANNIE

Meet Annie, you may meet or heard Annie and the Armadillos who are known for their groove based music, a mixture of rhythm and blues, funk, bop, soul and jazz, the kind that’s intended to get people on their feet.

The group began in the mid 1990S as a trio doing cover versions of ballads and torch songs. They became popular at local restaurants and had a regular gig at the former Gypsy Bar in Civic.

We talk about her childhood and her passions, nursing career and love of music.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight into Annie and her journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH DAN

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH ANNIE

Dan has presented the breakfast on ABC Radio Canberra and now is one of the 7pm News bulletin presenter on Canberra ABC TV.

Dan grew up in the outback Northern Territory mining town of Tennant Creek and began reporting for the local newspaper when he was 14, going on to work for the NT News. From 2010 he was with National Indigenous Television (NITV) in Sydney and Canberra.

We talk about his passions and life story.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight into his journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH STEVE

You may have seen a short story about Steve on our local ABC nightly news program about how the gift of music is changing the life of Canberra's school students.

Steve works with St Vincent de Paul by providing free music lessons. For the best part of a decade, Steve has opened his door free-of-charge to kids on the margins, to share the "gift of music" with those who couldn't normally afford it. His motto is, I want to celebrate the gift of music, and spread the word.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight into his life journey and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH BRUCE

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH STEVE

Bruce is a first nation (Aboriginal Australian) writer of literary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays and children's literature. As well as his own name, he has written under the pen names Murray Gray and Leopold Glass. Since August 2020, he has been Enterprise Professor in Indigenous Agriculture at the University of Melbourne.

Bruce is best known for his work Dark Emu: Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident? (2014), which reexamines colonial accounts of first nation people in Australia and cites evidence of pre-colonial agriculture, engineering and building construction by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We talk about his childhood and passions, books and truth telling.

Join me to gain an insight into his life journey and passions.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH LEXXIE

I meet Lexxie during the recording of the Confab focusing on the masters in Forensic Medicine (the podcast was uploaded in July 2021).

I meet Lexxie when recording the Podcast, she is instrumental in this program. You will gain an understanding of the provision of medical and forensic care of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and in particular a understanding of the sex industry and people engaged in this industry.

Join me on the Confab to gain an insight into Lexxie’s story and passions.

This program covers a number of issues associated with the sex industry, which may offend some listeners.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH LEXXIE

The Confab - streaming this week - spectrum on air (UK)

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH NURGAL

Emma is an emerging ceramic artist from Canberra, creating jewellery and homewares.

We talk about her childhood, her artistic passion.

Join me this Thursday on the Confab with Michael G to gain an insight to Emma and her journey.

THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH NURGAL

The Confab is streamed on Spectrum on Air:

Thursday 10pm
Saturday 4pm

Monday 7pm