This week Nicola and Di chat with the talented PJ Lane, son of the legendary Don Lane. PJ is a performer, former professional basketballer, actor, and now the man bringing his father's iconic showmanship back to the stage with his tribute show, I Love Your Faces: The Don Lane Story. 

In this episode, we chat to PJ about growing up with Don Lane as "the sports broadcaster and basketball coach" rather than the TV legend most of Australia remembers. We hear about his years playing basketball on scholarship in the US and professionally in Greece, the unexpected pull towards music that eventually won out and he shares some brilliant stories along the way.

We also talk candidly about Don's Alzheimer's diagnosis, the toll it took on the whole family, and PJ's important work as an ambassador for the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), raising awareness and funds for dementia research. It's a topic so many of our listeners will relate to, and PJ speaks about it with real heart and honesty.

Finally, we talk about PJ’s new show, the family connection at its heart, the old-school Vegas variety feel he's recreating on stage, and he even sings for us live in the studio - you’ll have to tune in to hear it. 

We had a great time with PJ and we hope you love this episode as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow PJ on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/pjlaneonline/

Buy Tickets to PJ’s show I Love Your Faces here - https://www.iloveyourfaces.com/tour-dates-tickets-1

Find out more about the work of CHeBA here - https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba

Read more about Wipeout Dementia here - https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba/support-us/wipeout-dementia

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 

Find out more about the next OTBF trip to Bhutan in October 2027 - https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chat with the talented PJ Lane, son of the legendary Don Lane. PJ is a performer, former professional basketballer, actor, and now the man bringing his father's iconic showmanship back to the stage with his tribute show,<a href="https://www.iloveyourfaces.com/tour-dates-tickets-1"> I Love Your Faces: The Don Lane Story</a>.&nbsp;
In this episode, we chat to PJ about growing up with Don Lane as "the sports broadcaster and basketball coach" rather than the TV legend most of Australia remembers. We hear about his years playing basketball on scholarship in the US and professionally in Greece, the unexpected pull towards music that eventually won out and he shares some brilliant stories along the way.
We also talk candidly about Don's Alzheimer's diagnosis, the toll it took on the whole family, and PJ's important work as an ambassador for the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), raising awareness and funds for dementia research. It's a topic so many of our listeners will relate to, and PJ speaks about it with real heart and honesty.
Finally, we talk about PJ&rsquo;s new show, the family connection at its heart, the old-school Vegas variety feel he's recreating on stage, and he even sings for us live in the studio - you&rsquo;ll have to tune in to hear it.&nbsp;
We had a great time with PJ and we hope you love this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pjlaneonline/">Follow PJ on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/pjlaneonline/</a>
<a href="https://www.iloveyourfaces.com/tour-dates-tickets-1">Buy Tickets to PJ&rsquo;s show I Love Your Faces here - https://www.iloveyourfaces.com/tour-dates-tickets-1</a>
<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba">Find out more about the work of CHeBA here - https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba</a>
<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba/support-us/wipeout-dementia">Read more about Wipeout Dementia here - https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba/support-us/wipeout-dementia</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/">Find out more about the next OTBF trip to Bhutan in October 2027 - https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades & they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney! 
They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 

“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades &amp; they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney!  They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 
“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Over the Back Fence

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.

Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 

Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 

Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.
Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 
Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 
Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

PJ Lane: "I Love Your Faces" - Don Lane’s Legacy & Finding an Alzheimer’s Cure

This week Nicola and Di chat with entrepreneur and visionary, Mennan Yelkenci. Mennan was awarded the 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is the founder of Booked.ai, the world's first IATA-accredited AI travel agent. Mennan swapped a career in corporate ASX roles for the world of startups, and we loved hearing his story and the exciting projects he’s working on. 

In this episode, we chat to Mennan about the path that led him here. From consulting on renewable energy projects (and helping international developers communicate with Aussie farmers), to building Apify to solve his own frustrations with outsourced tech development, and finally launching Booked.ai, an IATA-accredited AI travel agent, to help plan and book your next trip. Mennan is an amazing example of someone who spots a problem and builds the solution.

We get into exactly how Booked.ai works, the built-in duty-of-care safeguards that check destination safety before you fly, right through to the reassurance that real human travel agents are still there on the back end when something needs a personal touch. Mennan is clear that Booked.ai isn't here to replace human travel agents, but to offer an alternative for the times you just want it sorted, fast and to disrupt the online booking space. 

We also talk about our love of travel, Mennan’s Turkish heritage and his incredible tips for a Turkey itinerary (Istanbul, Alaçatı, Bodrum and Cappadocia are all must-dos), and what makes him tick as a new dad and a serial entrepreneur.

We had such a great time with Mennan. His energy, ambition and vision for the future of travel are infectious. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Mennan on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mennannn/

Follow Booked AI on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/booked.ai/

Find out more about Booked AI and use it here - https://booked.ai/

Follow Booked AI on LinkedIn here - au.linkedin.com/company/booked-ai

Follow Mennan on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mennan-yelkenci/

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 

Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

 

This week Nicola and Di chat with entrepreneur and visionary, Mennan Yelkenci. Mennan was awarded the 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is the founder of&nbsp;<a href="http://booked.ai">Booked.ai</a>, the world's first IATA-accredited AI travel agent. Mennan swapped a career in corporate ASX roles for the world of startups, and we loved hearing his story and the exciting projects he&rsquo;s working on.&nbsp;
In this episode, we chat to Mennan about the path that led him here. From consulting on renewable energy projects (and helping international developers communicate with Aussie farmers), to building Apify to solve his own frustrations with outsourced tech development, and finally launching <a href="http://booked.ai">Booked.ai</a>, an IATA-accredited AI travel agent, to help plan and book your next trip. Mennan is an amazing example of someone who spots a problem and builds the solution.
We get into exactly how Booked.ai works, the built-in duty-of-care safeguards that check destination safety before you fly, right through to the reassurance that real human travel agents are still there on the back end when something needs a personal touch. Mennan is clear that Booked.ai isn't here to replace human travel agents, but to offer an alternative for the times you just want it sorted, fast and to disrupt the online booking space.&nbsp;
We also talk about our love of travel, Mennan&rsquo;s Turkish heritage and his incredible tips for a Turkey itinerary (Istanbul, Ala&ccedil;atı, Bodrum and Cappadocia are all must-dos), and what makes him tick as a new dad and a serial entrepreneur.
We had such a great time with Mennan. His energy, ambition and vision for the future of travel are infectious. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mennannn/">Follow Mennan on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mennannn/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/booked.ai/">Follow Booked AI on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/booked.ai/</a>
<a href="https://booked.ai/">Find out more about Booked AI and use it here - https://booked.ai/</a>
<a href="http://au.linkedin.com/company/booked-ai">Follow Booked AI on LinkedIn here - au.linkedin.com/company/booked-ai</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mennan-yelkenci/">Follow Mennan on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mennan-yelkenci/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f">Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>
&nbsp;

Mennan Yelkenci:  Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Booked AI & Revolutionising How We Travel

This week Nicola and Di chat with the incredible Marney McQueen. Marney is an actress, singer, comedian, cabaret queen, marriage celebrant, publican, and self-described lover of people. Marney has lit up stages in Hairspray and Titanique, brought her hilarious alter-ego Rosa Waxoffski to life around the world, and also runs a beloved pub on the NSW Central Coast with her husband, Frank.

We chat to Marney about her early love of impersonation, her three attempts to get into NIDA, and the story of how a chance meeting with Barry Humphries set her on the path to creating Rosa Waxoffski, the bikini waxer to the stars who somehow became "responsible" for everything from Logie wins to Test cricket selections. 

We loved hearing how Marney and her husband took a leap of faith and bought a pub in Wyong, and turned it into a genuine community hub with cabaret nights, fundraising that's raised more than a quarter of a million dollars, and everyday moments of connection that remind us what a good local pub can really do for people. 

Marney also reminds us that age is but a number with the story of landing her first lead musical role at 46, playing Celine Dion in the hit show Titanique, and she even gave us a live snippet of "My Heart Will Go On", which was breathtaking.

We also talk about Marney's next big role as the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, opening in Sydney this October, her friendship and creative collaboration with Em Rusciano, and her beautiful perspective on hanging in there, backing yourself, and why it's never too late to bloom. 

This episode is full of heart, inspiration and proof that passion and persistence really do pay off. Marney is pure joy - you’ll love this one! 

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Marney on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/marneymcqueen/

Follow The Royal Hotel Wyong on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/royalhotelwyong/

Buy Tickets to Spamalot here - https://www.drewanthonycreative.com.au/spamalot-melbournesydney-2026

Find out more about Marney’s work here - https://www.marneymcqueen.com/

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 

Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chat with the incredible Marney McQueen. Marney is an actress, singer, comedian, cabaret queen, marriage celebrant, publican, and self-described lover of people. Marney has lit up stages in Hairspray and Titanique, brought her hilarious alter-ego Rosa Waxoffski to life around the world, and also runs a beloved pub on the NSW Central Coast with her husband, Frank.
We chat to Marney about her early love of impersonation, her three attempts to get into NIDA, and the story of how a chance meeting with Barry Humphries set her on the path to creating Rosa Waxoffski, the bikini waxer to the stars who somehow became "responsible" for everything from Logie wins to Test cricket selections.&nbsp;
We loved hearing how Marney and her husband took a leap of faith and bought a pub in Wyong, and turned it into a genuine community hub with cabaret nights, fundraising that's raised more than a quarter of a million dollars, and everyday moments of connection that remind us what a good local pub can really do for people.&nbsp;
Marney also reminds us that age is but a number with the story of landing her first lead musical role at 46, playing Celine Dion in the hit show Titanique, and she even gave us a live snippet of "My Heart Will Go On", which was breathtaking.
We also talk about Marney's next big role as the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, opening in Sydney this October, her friendship and creative collaboration with Em Rusciano, and her beautiful perspective on hanging in there, backing yourself, and why it's never too late to bloom.&nbsp;
This episode is full of heart, inspiration and proof that passion and persistence really do pay off. Marney is pure joy - you&rsquo;ll love this one!&nbsp;
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/marneymcqueen/">Follow Marney on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/marneymcqueen/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/royalhotelwyong/">Follow The Royal Hotel Wyong on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/royalhotelwyong/</a>
<a href="https://www.drewanthonycreative.com.au/spamalot-melbournesydney-2026">Buy Tickets to Spamalot here - https://www.drewanthonycreative.com.au/spamalot-melbournesydney-2026</a>
<a href="https://www.marneymcqueen.com/">Find out more about Marney&rsquo;s work here - https://www.marneymcqueen.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f">Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Marney McQueen: Titanique & Rosa Waxoffski to Pub Owner - Singer, Comedian & Coming Into Her Own at 48 

This week Nicola and Di chat with the bubbly, gorgeous Amanda Ramsay, an award-winning makeup artist who's worked with some of the biggest names in the Australian entertainment industry. Amanda has worked across TV, weddings and events, but for her, beauty has always gone far beyond the makeup itself. It's about confidence, self-care, and feeling good from the inside out.

We chat to Amanda about the light bulb moment that changed the course of her career when she walked into a beauty retailer as a new mum in her early 40s and realised that no one was serving women 40 plus. That moment sparked what would become a mission to help thousands of women feel confident and seen, through in-person classes, online courses, and uncomplicated, real-world techniques that actually work at this stage of life.

We dive deep into all things skincare and makeup, from why hydration is the real key to a glowing complexion, to Amanda's "less is more" philosophy when it comes to texture and coverage. She shares her favourite tricks for looking instantly more awake, why blush and a strong brow can transform your whole face, and her take on lip liners, stains and fillers for a fuller-looking pout without looking overdone.

We also talk about the emotional side of beauty, the importance of finding your own features to love rather than fixate on, and why reinvention can be one of the most empowering things a woman can do. Amanda's advice throughout is simple, practical and full of heart, and we walked away with tips we can't wait to try.

We had so much fun chatting with Amanda. She's warm, generous and clearly loves helping women feel their best. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow Amanda on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/amandaramsaymakeup/

Find out more about Amanda’s Make-Up Course for Women Over 40 here - https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/collections/start-here/products/ageless-beauty-course

Buy Amanda’s favourite make-up products here - https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 

Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

This week Nicola and Di chat with the bubbly, gorgeous Amanda Ramsay, an award-winning makeup artist who's worked with some of the biggest names in the Australian entertainment industry. Amanda has worked across TV, weddings and events, but for her, beauty has always gone far beyond the makeup itself. It's about confidence, self-care, and feeling good from the inside out.
We chat to Amanda about the light bulb moment that changed the course of her career when she walked into a beauty retailer as a new mum in her early 40s and realised that no one was serving women 40 plus. That moment sparked what would become a mission to help thousands of women feel confident and seen, through in-person classes, online courses, and uncomplicated, real-world techniques that actually work at this stage of life.
We dive deep into all things skincare and makeup, from why hydration is the real key to a glowing complexion, to Amanda's "less is more" philosophy when it comes to texture and coverage. She shares her favourite tricks for looking instantly more awake, why blush and a strong brow can transform your whole face, and her take on lip liners, stains and fillers for a fuller-looking pout without looking overdone.
We also talk about the emotional side of beauty, the importance of finding your own features to love rather than fixate on, and why reinvention can be one of the most empowering things a woman can do. Amanda's advice throughout is simple, practical and full of heart, and we walked away with tips we can't wait to try.
We had so much fun chatting with Amanda. She's warm, generous and clearly loves helping women feel their best. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amandaramsaymakeup/">Follow Amanda on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/amandaramsaymakeup/</a>
<a href="https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/collections/start-here/products/ageless-beauty-course">Find out more about Amanda&rsquo;s Make-Up Course for Women Over 40 here - https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/collections/start-here/products/ageless-beauty-course</a>
<a href="https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/">Buy Amanda&rsquo;s favourite make-up products here - https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f">Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

PJ Lane: "I Love Your Faces" - Don Lane’s Legacy & Finding an Alzheimer’s Cure

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