Act 1

Act 2

Act 3

Streptococcus pyogenes is a critical micro-organism for every doctor to know about.

It is a gram positive coccus that grows in chains and has the potential to cause significant morbidity and even mortality. It has taken us centuries to learn the significance of this infection and is a testament to modern day medicine that its complications are rare.

This is the story of Streptococcus Pyogenes.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a critical micro-organism for every doctor to know about.
It is a gram positive coccus that grows in chains and has the potential to cause significant morbidity and even mortality. It has taken us centuries to learn the significance of this infection and is a testament to modern day medicine that its complications are rare.
This is the story of Streptococcus Pyogenes.

Welcome to the This Medical Life podcast. Our mission is to share stories about the triumphs and tragedies of diseases and illnesses from ancient times up until what we know today. It is about those scientific and medical minds who came before us and how, every single day, we stand on the shoulders of giants. This is a podcast about the stories of medicine.


Hosted by Dr. Travis Brown and Steve Davis, our target audience is General Practitioners, medical students, and other health professionals. We hope to educate, inspire and celebrate those who choose to care for others in their profession. From experience, we know that our audience extends beyond these fields and would like to welcome anyone to listen. The stories of those who came before us are nothing short of remarkable and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Production by Tim Whiffen

Design by Tom Buzz

Welcome to the This Medical Life podcast. Our mission is to share stories about the triumphs and tragedies of diseases and illnesses from ancient times up until what we know today. It is about those scientific and medical minds who came before us and how, every single day, we stand on the shoulders of giants. This is a podcast about the stories of medicine.
 Hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/drtravisbrown">Dr. Travis Brown</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/stevedavis">Steve Davis</a>, our target audience is General Practitioners, medical students, and other health professionals. We hope to educate, inspire and celebrate those who choose to care for others in their profession. From experience, we know that our audience extends beyond these fields and would like to welcome anyone to listen. The stories of those who came before us are nothing short of remarkable and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Production by <a href="https://whimsyproductions.com/">Tim Whiffen</a> Design by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tom.buzz/">Tom Buzz</a>

This Medical Life

Auscast Medical Channel is a podcast channel that provides a wide range of medical-related content. The podcasts feature interviews with experts in various medical fields, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as well as discussions on the latest medical research and treatment options. The channel covers a wide range of topics, including general health, mental health, and specific medical conditions. The podcasts are aimed at both healthcare professionals and the general public, and provide listeners with the latest information and insights on healthcare topics. Auscast Medical Channel is a great resource for staying informed about medical issues and trends, and for learning more about how to care for yourself and your loved ones.

Auscast Medical Channel is a podcast channel that provides a wide range of medical-related content. The podcasts feature interviews with experts in various medical fields, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as well as discussions on the latest medical research and treatment options. The channel covers a wide range of topics, including general health, mental health, and specific medical conditions. The podcasts are aimed at both healthcare professionals and the general public, and provide listeners with the latest information and insights on healthcare topics. Auscast Medical Channel is a great resource for staying informed about medical issues and trends, and for learning more about how to care for yourself and your loved ones.

Auscast Medical

A weekly podcast recorded in Adelaide that puts South Australian passion on centre stage with a featured guest who joins us each week as a co-presenter to share how they're pursuing their passions. We venture across topics as diverse as history, wine, food, art, music, relationships, critical thinking, health, news, interviews, chat and quizzes. 

Every single interview, every single show, unlocks insights into what drives people to be doing what they're doing and what keeps them striving. 

The Adelaide Show is produced by Steve Davis and Nigel Dobson-Keeffe.

Please subscribe to our In Crowd list; you get an email each Friday (when we have published a new episode) with an overview of that week's show. Plus, consider joining our Inner Circle; a small group of passionate South Aussies who allow us to pick their brains and gain interviewee suggestions.

This podcast began life as Another Boring Thursday Night In Adelaide from episodes 1-79.

A podcast recorded in Adelaide that puts South Australian passion on centre stage with a featured guest who joins us each week as a co-presenter to share how they're pursuing their passions. We venture across topics as diverse as history, wine, ...

The Adelaide Show

A podcast recorded in Adelaide that puts South Australian passion on centre stage with a featured guest who joins us to share how they're pursuing their passions. We venture across topics as diverse as history, wine, food, art, music, relationships, critical thinking, health, and general news. Every single interview, every single show, unlocks insights into what drives people to be doing what they're doing and what keeps them striving. The Adelaide Show is produced by Steve Davis, and ends with an original song by a South Australian artist. Please subscribe to our In Crowd list; you get an email each Friday with an overview of that week's show. This podcast began life as Another Boring Thursday Night In Adelaide from episodes 1-79.

A podcast recorded in Adelaide that puts South Australian passion on centre stage with a featured guest who joins us to share how they're pursuing their passions. We venture across topics as diverse as history, wine, food, art, music, relationships, critical thinking, health, and general news. Every single interview, every single show, unlocks insights into what drives people to be doing what they're doing and what keeps them striving. The Adelaide Show is produced by Steve Davis, and ends with an original song by a South Australian artist. Please subscribe to our In Crowd list; you get an email each Friday with an overview of that week's show. This podcast began life as Another Boring Thursday Night In Adelaide from episodes 1-79.

Episode 22: Group A Streptococcus / Streptococcus Pyogenes | A Classical Killer

SA Drink Of The Week

Peggy Byrne

Musical Pilgrimage

In our main interview, Peggy Byrne discusses the 15th anniversary of Bowerbird Design Market, exploring the tension between consumerism and thoughtful acquisition while showcasing how handmade and thoughtfully-designed items can add value without contributing to clutter.

In the SA Drink Of The Week, we taste Victor Harbor Gin from Heaps Good Spirits, featuring local coastal daisy bush botanicals that create a unique savory profile.

And in the Musical Pilgrimage, we finish with a festive splash of song, with Dino Jag’s uplifting Christmas track, celebrating South Australian musical talent.

You can navigate episodes using chapter markers in your podcast app. Not a fan of one segment? You can click next to jump to the next chapter in the show. We’re here to serve!

The Adelaide Show Podcast: Awarded Silver for Best Interview Podcast in Australia at the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards and named as Finalist for Best News and Current Affairs Podcast in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.

And please consider becoming part of our podcast by joining our Inner Circle. It’s an email list. Join it and you might get an email on a Sunday or Monday seeking question ideas, guest ideas and requests for other bits of feedback about YOUR podcast, The Adelaide Show. Email us directly and we’ll add you to the list: podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review in iTunes or other podcast sites, or buy some great merch from our Red Bubble store – The Adelaide Show Shop. We’d greatly appreciate it.

And please talk about us and share our episodes on social media, it really helps build our community. Oh, and here’s our index of all episode in one concise
page.

Running Sheet: Bowerbird Design Market 2024: A Guide to Meaningful Gift-Giving

00:00:00 Intro

Introduction

00:03:36 SA Drink Of The Week

The South Australian Drink Of The Week this week is the Victor Harbor Gin from Heaps Good Spirits.

A tasting of Heaps Good Spirits’ Victor Harbor Gin revealed complex flavors including coastal daisy bush botanicals, creating a unique savoury profile that captures the essence of the region. The gin demonstrated careful craftsmanship and local ingredient selection. Peggy and Steve both agreed it is perfect for drinking neat, such is its elegance.

00:11:47 Peggy Byrne, Bowerbird Design Market

Throughout human history, the act of gift-giving has undergone remarkable transformations. In prehistoric times, people exchanged food and tools not as commodities, but as ways to strengthen social bonds and build alliances. Ancient civilisations like Egypt and Rome elevated gifting into elaborate diplomatic and religious practices, where gifts carried deep symbolic meaning. During the Middle Ages, gifts – often food-based – became powerful symbols of status and authority between nobles and their subjects.
But perhaps the most dramatic shift came with the rise of modern consumerism. Gift-giving transformed from something that cost the giver primarily time and care – like a handwoven blanket or carefully preserved foods – into something that primarily costs money. Instead of gifts emerging from hours of careful labour, they now typically emerge from shopping bags.
Today, we face a fascinating paradox. While neuroscience shows that gift-giving activates pleasure centres in our brains, many people feel overwhelmed by receiving yet another item that adds to their household clutter. This tension between the joy of giving and the stress of accumulation makes this conversation particularly timely.
Today we’re speaking with Peggy Byrne, owner of Adelaide’s Bowerbird Design Market, which for 15 years has been creating a space where handmade crafts and artisanal products can find their place in our modern gift-giving culture.

The Bowerbird Design Market runs November 22-24, 2024, at the Wayville Pavilion, Adelaide Showground. Friday night runs 4-9pm with a special 2-for-1 entry offer, while Saturday and Sunday run 10am-5pm. Entry is $6 for adults, with children under 13 free. The event features golden ticket prizes all weekend, workshops for both adults and children, and even a visit from Santa supporting Catherine House with gold coin donations.

Peggy Byrne, entering her fifth year at the helm of Bowerbird Design Market, provided several profound insights.

On Quality vs Quantity: She shared a personal journey from filling her first apartment with mass-produced items to later choosing fewer, more meaningful pieces: “I bought one really good knife and I kept the teacups my grandmother gave me because they meant something to me.” This philosophy underpins Bowerbird’s approach to modern consumption.

On Curation and Selection: Byrne revealed the complex balancing act of curating the market, explaining how she manages categories like jewellery: “I need a bit of silver, and I need a little bit of ceramic, and I need a little bit of polymer… But as a whole, I still have 20 jewellers.” Her careful consideration extends to price points within each category, ensuring accessibility alongside exclusivity.

On Maker-Customer Connection: The market mandates that designers must be present at least one day, fostering genuine connections. As Byrne emphasised, “They don’t mind if you approach and don’t end up buying. They love to tell their story.”

15th Anniversary Highlights: The upcoming market (November 22-24 at Adelaide Showground) features exciting new additions including:
George the Slug: Whimsical ceramic creations that “make you happy”
Hey Lady: Traditional braided guitar straps with contemporary colours
Dog Boy Knives: Recycled steel transformed into premium kitchen tools
Emma Clow Glass: Hand-blown stemless glasses that marry function with art

Workshop Innovation: The market offers hands-on experiences including:
Natural silk dyeing with Garden to Gallery
Polymer clay jewellery making with Berry Beret
Silver ring casting with Claire Brooks
Children’s art workshops with Little Picassos

Environmental Consciousness: Byrne discussed how makers increasingly incorporate sustainability, from using offcuts for smaller items to choosing environmentally responsible packaging. The market encourages thoughtful consumption rather than mass acquisition.

The interview concluded with Steve, who was initially resistant to acquiring more possessions, finding himself convinced of the value in choosing fewer, better items that carry meaning and story. As Byrne noted, “It’s not necessarily volume… it’s about what’s behind it. Once you learn what’s behind it, it just becomes special.”

01:07:02 Musical Pilgrimage

In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature You Don’t Have To Wait For Christmas Day by Dino Jag.

The episode concludes with a celebration of South Australian musical talent, featuring an uplifting holiday song that embodies local creative spirit, first featured in episode 174 back in 2016.

However, in recent years, Dino created a video to go with the song, so get this ready for your Christmas playlists!

In our main interview, Peggy Byrne discusses the 15th anniversary of Bowerbird Design Market, exploring the tension between consumerism and thoughtful acquisition while showcasing how handmade and thoughtfully-designed items can add value without contributing to clutter.
In the SA Drink Of The Week, we taste Victor Harbor Gin from Heaps Good Spirits, featuring local coastal daisy bush botanicals that create a unique savory profile.
And in the Musical Pilgrimage, we finish with a festive splash of song, with Dino Jag’s uplifting Christmas track, celebrating South Australian musical talent.
You can navigate episodes using chapter markers in your podcast app. Not a fan of one segment? You can click next to jump to the next chapter in the show. We’re here to serve!
The Adelaide Show Podcast: Awarded Silver for Best Interview Podcast in Australia at the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards and named as Finalist for Best News and Current Affairs Podcast in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.
And please consider becoming part of our podcast by joining our Inner Circle. It’s an email list. Join it and you might get an email on a Sunday or Monday seeking question ideas, guest ideas and requests for other bits of feedback about YOUR podcast, The Adelaide Show. Email us directly and we’ll add you to the list: <a href="mailto:podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au">podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au</a>
If you enjoy the show, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/another-boring-thursday-night/id696302138">leave us a 5-star review </a>in iTunes or other podcast sites, or buy some great merch from our Red Bubble store – <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/theadelaideshow/shop?asc=u">The Adelaide Show Shop</a>. We’d greatly appreciate it.
And please talk about us and share our episodes on social media, it really helps build our community. Oh, and here’s <a href="https://theadelaideshow.com.au/complete-list-adelaide-show-episodes/">our index of all episode in one concise page.</a>
Running Sheet: Bowerbird Design Market 2024: A Guide to Meaningful Gift-Giving
00:00:00 Intro
Introduction
00:03:36 SA Drink Of The Week
The South Australian Drink Of The Week this week is the Victor Harbor Gin from <a href="https://heapsgoodgin.com.au/">Heaps Good Spirits</a>.
A tasting of Heaps Good Spirits’ Victor Harbor Gin revealed complex flavors including coastal daisy bush botanicals, creating a unique savoury profile that captures the essence of the region. The gin demonstrated careful craftsmanship and local ingredient selection. Peggy and Steve both agreed it is perfect for drinking neat, such is its elegance.
00:11:47 Peggy Byrne, Bowerbird Design Market
Throughout human history, the act of gift-giving has undergone remarkable transformations. In prehistoric times, people exchanged food and tools not as commodities, but as ways to strengthen social bonds and build alliances. Ancient civilisations like Egypt and Rome elevated gifting into elaborate diplomatic and religious practices, where gifts carried deep symbolic meaning. During the Middle Ages, gifts – often food-based – became powerful symbols of status and authority between nobles and their subjects. But perhaps the most dramatic shift came with the rise of modern consumerism. Gift-giving transformed from something that cost the giver primarily time and care – like a handwoven blanket or carefully preserved foods – into something that primarily costs money. Instead of gifts emerging from hours of careful labour, they now typically emerge from shopping bags. Today, we face a fascinating paradox. While neuroscience shows that gift-giving activates pleasure centres in our brains, many people feel overwhelmed by receiving yet another item that adds to their household clutter. This tension between the joy of giving and the stress of accumulation makes this conversation particularly timely. Today we’re speaking with Peggy Byrne, owner of Adelaide’s Bowerbird Design Market, which for 15 years has been creating a space where handmade crafts and artisanal products can find their place in our modern gift-giving culture.
The <a href="https://bowerbird.net.au/">Bowerbird Design Market</a> runs November 22-24, 2024, at the Wayville Pavilion, Adelaide Showground. Friday night runs 4-9pm with a special 2-for-1 entry offer, while Saturday and Sunday run 10am-5pm. Entry is $6 for adults, with children under 13 free. The event features golden ticket prizes all weekend, workshops for both adults and children, and even a visit from Santa supporting Catherine House with gold coin donations.
Peggy Byrne, entering her fifth year at the helm of Bowerbird Design Market, provided several profound insights.
On Quality vs Quantity: She shared a personal journey from filling her first apartment with mass-produced items to later choosing fewer, more meaningful pieces: “I bought one really good knife and I kept the teacups my grandmother gave me because they meant something to me.” This philosophy underpins Bowerbird’s approach to modern consumption.
On Curation and Selection: Byrne revealed the complex balancing act of curating the market, explaining how she manages categories like jewellery: “I need a bit of silver, and I need a little bit of ceramic, and I need a little bit of polymer… But as a whole, I still have 20 jewellers.” Her careful consideration extends to price points within each category, ensuring accessibility alongside exclusivity.
On Maker-Customer Connection: The market mandates that designers must be present at least one day, fostering genuine connections. As Byrne emphasised, “They don’t mind if you approach and don’t end up buying. They love to tell their story.”
15th Anniversary Highlights: The upcoming market (November 22-24 at Adelaide Showground) features exciting new additions including:
<ul>
<li>George the Slug: Whimsical ceramic creations that “make you happy”</li>
<li>Hey Lady: Traditional braided guitar straps with contemporary colours</li>
<li>Dog Boy Knives: Recycled steel transformed into premium kitchen tools</li>
<li>Emma Clow Glass: Hand-blown stemless glasses that marry function with art</li>
</ul>
Workshop Innovation: The market offers hands-on experiences including:
<ul>
<li>Natural silk dyeing with Garden to Gallery</li>
<li>Polymer clay jewellery making with Berry Beret</li>
<li>Silver ring casting with Claire Brooks</li>
<li>Children’s art workshops with Little Picassos</li>
</ul>
Environmental Consciousness: Byrne discussed how makers increasingly incorporate sustainability, from using offcuts for smaller items to choosing environmentally responsible packaging. The market encourages thoughtful consumption rather than mass acquisition.
The interview concluded with Steve, who was initially resistant to acquiring more possessions, finding himself convinced of the value in choosing fewer, better items that carry meaning and story. As Byrne noted, “It’s not necessarily volume… it’s about what’s behind it. Once you learn what’s behind it, it just becomes special.”
01:07:02 Musical Pilgrimage
In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature You Don’t Have To Wait For Christmas Day by <a href="https://dinojag.com/">Dino Jag</a>.
The episode concludes with a celebration of South Australian musical talent, featuring an uplifting holiday song that embodies local creative spirit, first featured in episode 174 back in 2016.
However, in recent years, Dino created a video to go with the song, so get this ready for your Christmas playlists!

In a thoughtful exploration of gift-giving’s evolution from prehistoric tools to modern consumerism, Bowerbird Design Market founder Peggy Byrne reveals how curated, thoughtfully-designed items can bridge the gap between mindless consumption and meaningful acquisition, offering a path forward for those struggling with clutter.

406 - Bowerbird Design Market 2024: A Guide to Meaningful Gift-Giving

Robert Godden

Alex Vickery-Howe

First up, we're joined by Robert Godden to dissect the centuries-old tradition of 'pairing' in politics, a practice where MPs offset each other's absence to maintain voting fairness. However, this tradition faces threats in today's hyper-connected world, where political integrity can be overshadowed by social media activism and public shaming.

Following that, we sit down with Alex Vickery-Howe, discussing his provocative new play 'TRIGGERED'. The play offers a bold commentary on cancel culture and poses tough questions about free speech, artistic courage, and the cost of silencing in the social media age.

And as always, we’ll round things off with our Musical Pilgrimage, where this week, we feature Feel Into You, by Alison Newman.

So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favourite South Australian spirit, and enjoy a journey through whisky, cars, and music!

You can navigate episodes using chapter markers in your podcast app. Not a fan of one segment? You can click next to jump to the next chapter in the show. We're here to serve!

The Adelaide Show Podcast: Awarded Silver for Best Interview Podcast in Australia at the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards and named as Finalist for Best News and Current Affairs Podcast in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.

And please consider becoming part of our podcast by joining our Inner Circle. It's an email list. Join it and you might get an email on a Sunday or Monday seeking question ideas, guest ideas and requests for other bits of feedback about YOUR podcast, The Adelaide Show. Email us directly and we'll add you to the list: podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review in iTunes or other podcast sites, or buy some great merch from our Red Bubble store - The Adelaide Show Shop. We'd greatly appreciate it.

And please talk about us and share our episodes on social media, it really helps build our community. Oh, and here's our index of all episode in one concise
page.

Running Sheet: Triggered By Cancel Culture And Political Pairing

00:00:00 Intro

Introduction

00:00:00 SA Drink Of The Week

There is no South Australian Drink Of The Week this week.

00:03:13 Robert Godden And The Principle Of Pairing

I'd like to explore the centuries-old principle of 'pairing' in politics—an honourable arrangement where a parliamentarian, unable to attend a vote, finds someone voting the other way to abstain as well, preserving the integrity of the parliamentary process. I would go so far as to claim that pairing is a hallmark of parliamentary civility, a gesture that underscores trust, respect, and a commitment to democracy that rises above partisan interests. In many ways, it’s a defining characteristic of a civilised society—keeping us far from Thomas Hobbes' grim view of life as 'nasty, brutish, and short.'

However, in a recent episode here in South Australia, this tradition was overshadowed by allegations of intimidation and public shaming. A prominent academic allegedly pressured an MP to break her pairing commitment, even threatening to ‘hold her to account in the public square.’ This incident raises serious questions about the fragility of our democratic norms and the implications of social media-fuelled activism on parliamentary integrity.

Joining me is Robert Godden, our resident political commentator, to discuss the erosion of such honourable traditions in politics, the risks to our institutions when personal agendas take precedence, and the ripple effects on workplace safety and culture in political environments. Robert, welcome back.

Why do you think the principle of pairing has endured for so long in politics, and what does it symbolise in our parliamentary culture?

Some might say that pairing demonstrates a level of trust and civility that's rare in today's political climate. Would you agree with that? And why do you think such civility matters?

When MPs honour pairing arrangements, how does this benefit the broader democratic process?

BACKGROUND

In Australia, following the 2010 federal election, the Opposition refused to grant automatic pairing to the minority Gillard government, leading to some embarrassing situations.
In the UK in 2018, there was controversy when Conservative MP Brandon Lewis broke a pairing agreement with Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson, who was on maternity leave.
In Australia, there was an incident where a pair was initially not given for a member to care for her sick baby.

Let’s talk about the recent incident where a professor threatened to 'hold an MP accountable in the public square' if she honoured her pairing agreement. What do you make of this approach?

Social media has become a powerful tool in political advocacy, but it can also be a blunt instrument. Do you see this incident as part of a broader trend of using social media to influence political processes, and what dangers does that pose?

In a way, this scenario seems to echo tactics often associated with figures like Donald Trump, who many say have eroded democratic norms by treating political rules as malleable. Do you think this kind of activism has a similar effect on our institutions?

Turning to the workplace aspect, SA Liberal MLC Jing Lee (who was the person at the centre of the pairing scandal) described feeling intimidated by this outside influence. How common is it for politicians to feel unsafe in their roles, and what might this incident reveal about workplace culture in parliament?

With your HR background, what are some safeguards that could help protect MPs from feeling this kind of pressure?

Bullying is a strong term that we often associate with corporate or school settings. How does the concept of workplace bullying apply to political environments, especially in a scenario like this where external pressures are involved?

Finally, what would you say to those who might argue that the ends justify the means in cases like these? Is it ever acceptable to erode a tradition like pairing for the sake of a particular political outcome?

00:32:15 Triggered by Alex Vickery-Howe

In 1971, Johnny Cash penned Man In Black in just 3 hours, responding to pressure to declare where he stood on various issues. The song, meant to express universal human compassion, was immediately politicised—praised by some, condemned by others. That was 50 years ago. Today, in our social media age, the pressure to declare allegiance and the swift judgment of those declarations has reached fever pitch. In our next interview, we're going to delve into the fabric of contemporary discourse through the lens of art. We'll be discussing the play, TRIGGERED, by Adelaide-based playwright Alex Vickery-Howe, a daring exploration of cancel culture through the lens of dark comedy, where he treads a fine line addressing contemporary issues with boldness and wit. Alex, welcome to The Adelaide Show.

TRIGGERED will be one of six new South Australian plays, being performed at the Odeon Theatre in Norwood across November and December 2025, as part of the South Australian Theatre Company's Great Australian Bites festival. These never-performed-before works will be rehearsed over several days by South Australian actors and directors and read script-in-hand. TRIGGERED will be performed on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

What sparked the idea for TRIGGERED? Was there a specific incident or moment that crystallised this concept for you?

The play centers on a journalist critiquing a comedian - why did you choose these particular opposing forces?

How does the format of a black comedy help navigate these sensitive themes?

This isn't the first time you've tackled extremism and ideology in your work. In 2021, I reviewed your play 'Watchlist', which explored these themes with intense character flaws and ideological battles. Now with 'TRIGGERED', you're examining cancel culture and social judgment. Do you see these plays as companion pieces in some way?

What fascinated me about 'Watchlist' was how you made all characters flawed, particularly Delia, whose rigid views alienated her from the audience. Are you employing similar character dynamics with your idealistic journalist in 'TRIGGERED'?

While we were setting up this interview, you mentioned being nervous about tackling this subject matter. Can you talk about those fears and why you decided to proceed anyway?

Are there certain topics you believe should be 'untouchable' in art, or does everything deserve examination?

How do you balance critique of 'wokeism' while acknowledging its important historical roots in racial justice?

It seems your play suggests that social media amplifies our worst instincts in these debates. What role does technology play in TRIGGERED?

I was listening to Bill Maher interview Dr Phil recently, and something fascinating happened. Dr Phil suggested we need 'counsel culture' not 'cancel culture'—taking people aside for genuine conversation rather than public condemnation. What intrigued me wasn't just the idea, but how quickly people dismissed it (and attacked me for sharing it) solely because it came from Dr Phil. Does your play explore this phenomenon where we judge ideas not by their merit but by who expresses them?

There's an interesting shift happening. Post-modernism taught us to separate art from artist, to judge work on its own merits. Yet today, it seems we're moving backward, judging every idea by its source rather than its substance. How does 'TRIGGERED' grapple with this contradiction?

The term 'woke' has traveled from Marcus Garvey's 1923 call for global Black consciousness to today's often-pejorative use. Does your play address how noble movements can become distorted?

The journalist in your play is described as 'idealistic' - are you exploring how good intentions can lead to harmful outcomes?

What do you hope audiences take away from TRIGGERED?

01:13:24 Musical Pilgrimage

In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature Feel Into You by Alison Newman.

Alison has just released the fifth and final track from her EP titled Wolf . This project delves into her personal experience with postnatal depression, promising a deeply introspective and emotive musical journey. We played the first track from it back in episode 395.

Alison explains “The Wolf" plays the role of the PND, and she is akin to Little Red Riding Hood.

The final track, which we play in this episode, is a song to celebrate the people that helped her through PND, and it also made it into the Top 100 in the 2024 Listen Up Music Songwriters Prize.

We've also embedded the video clip in the show notes. Alison shared the clip sending the hugest of thank yous to Bree and Caitlin for choreographing and dancing, Cat, Noe and Tiana from the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra string section, Frank from Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre for giving her the stage, and to Marcus Jones who always listens to her wacky ideas and then brings them to life!! It was recorded in one continuous take in just a couple of hours!

First up, we're joined by Robert Godden to dissect the centuries-old tradition of 'pairing' in politics, a practice where MPs offset each other's absence to maintain voting fairness. However, this tradition faces threats in today's hyper-connected world, where political integrity can be overshadowed by social media activism and public shaming.
Following that, we sit down with Alex Vickery-Howe, discussing his provocative new play 'TRIGGERED'. The play offers a bold commentary on cancel culture and poses tough questions about free speech, artistic courage, and the cost of silencing in the social media age.
And as always, we’ll round things off with our Musical Pilgrimage, where this week, we feature Feel Into You, by Alison Newman.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favourite South Australian spirit, and enjoy a journey through whisky, cars, and music!
You can navigate episodes using chapter markers in your podcast app. Not a fan of one segment? You can click next to jump to the next chapter in the show. We're here to serve!
The Adelaide Show Podcast: Awarded Silver for Best Interview Podcast in Australia at the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards and named as Finalist for Best News and Current Affairs Podcast in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.
And please consider becoming part of our podcast by joining our Inner Circle. It's an email list. Join it and you might get an email on a Sunday or Monday seeking question ideas, guest ideas and requests for other bits of feedback about YOUR podcast, The Adelaide Show. Email us directly and we'll add you to the list: <a href="mailto:podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au">podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au</a>
If you enjoy the show, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/another-boring-thursday-night/id696302138">leave us a 5-star review </a>in iTunes or other podcast sites, or buy some great merch from our Red Bubble store - <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/theadelaideshow/shop?asc=u">The Adelaide Show Shop</a>. We'd greatly appreciate it.
And please talk about us and share our episodes on social media, it really helps build our community. Oh, and here's <a href="https://theadelaideshow.com.au/complete-list-adelaide-show-episodes/">our index of all episode in one concise page.</a>
Running Sheet: Triggered By Cancel Culture And Political Pairing
00:00:00 Intro
Introduction
00:00:00 SA Drink Of The Week
There is no South Australian Drink Of The Week this week.
00:03:13 Robert Godden And The Principle Of Pairing
I'd like to explore the centuries-old principle of 'pairing' in politics—an honourable arrangement where a parliamentarian, unable to attend a vote, finds someone voting the other way to abstain as well, preserving the integrity of the parliamentary process. I would go so far as to claim that pairing is a hallmark of parliamentary civility, a gesture that underscores trust, respect, and a commitment to democracy that rises above partisan interests. In many ways, it’s a defining characteristic of a civilised society—keeping us far from Thomas Hobbes' grim view of life as 'nasty, brutish, and short.'
However, in a recent episode here in South Australia, this tradition was overshadowed by allegations of intimidation and public shaming. A prominent academic allegedly pressured an MP to break her pairing commitment, even threatening to ‘hold her to account in the public square.’ This incident raises serious questions about the fragility of our democratic norms and the implications of social media-fuelled activism on parliamentary integrity.
Joining me is Robert Godden, our resident political commentator, to discuss the erosion of such honourable traditions in politics, the risks to our institutions when personal agendas take precedence, and the ripple effects on workplace safety and culture in political environments. Robert, welcome back.
Why do you think the principle of pairing has endured for so long in politics, and what does it symbolise in our parliamentary culture?
Some might say that pairing demonstrates a level of trust and civility that's rare in today's political climate. Would you agree with that? And why do you think such civility matters?
When MPs honour pairing arrangements, how does this benefit the broader democratic process?
BACKGROUND
In Australia, following the 2010 federal election, the Opposition refused to grant automatic pairing to the minority Gillard government, leading to some embarrassing situations. In the UK in 2018, there was controversy when Conservative MP Brandon Lewis broke a pairing agreement with Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson, who was on maternity leave. In Australia, there was an incident where a pair was initially not given for a member to care for her sick baby.
Let’s talk about the recent incident where a professor threatened to 'hold an MP accountable in the public square' if she honoured her pairing agreement. What do you make of this approach?
Social media has become a powerful tool in political advocacy, but it can also be a blunt instrument. Do you see this incident as part of a broader trend of using social media to influence political processes, and what dangers does that pose?
In a way, this scenario seems to echo tactics often associated with figures like Donald Trump, who many say have eroded democratic norms by treating political rules as malleable. Do you think this kind of activism has a similar effect on our institutions?
Turning to the workplace aspect, SA Liberal MLC Jing Lee (who was the person at the centre of the pairing scandal) described feeling intimidated by this outside influence. How common is it for politicians to feel unsafe in their roles, and what might this incident reveal about workplace culture in parliament?
With your HR background, what are some safeguards that could help protect MPs from feeling this kind of pressure?
Bullying is a strong term that we often associate with corporate or school settings. How does the concept of workplace bullying apply to political environments, especially in a scenario like this where external pressures are involved?
Finally, what would you say to those who might argue that the ends justify the means in cases like these? Is it ever acceptable to erode a tradition like pairing for the sake of a particular political outcome?
00:32:15 Triggered by Alex Vickery-Howe
In 1971, Johnny Cash penned Man In Black in just 3 hours, responding to pressure to declare where he stood on various issues. The song, meant to express universal human compassion, was immediately politicised—praised by some, condemned by others. That was 50 years ago. Today, in our social media age, the pressure to declare allegiance and the swift judgment of those declarations has reached fever pitch. In our next interview, we're going to delve into the fabric of contemporary discourse through the lens of art. We'll be discussing the play, TRIGGERED, by Adelaide-based playwright Alex Vickery-Howe, a daring exploration of cancel culture through the lens of dark comedy, where he treads a fine line addressing contemporary issues with boldness and wit. Alex, welcome to The Adelaide Show.
TRIGGERED will be one of six new South Australian plays, being performed at the Odeon Theatre in Norwood across November and December 2025, as part of the South Australian Theatre Company's <a href="https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/great-australian-bites/">Great Australian Bites</a> festival. These never-performed-before works will be rehearsed over several days by South Australian actors and directors and read script-in-hand. TRIGGERED will be performed on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm.
What sparked the idea for TRIGGERED? Was there a specific incident or moment that crystallised this concept for you?
The play centers on a journalist critiquing a comedian - why did you choose these particular opposing forces?
How does the format of a black comedy help navigate these sensitive themes?
This isn't the first time you've tackled extremism and ideology in your work. In 2021, I reviewed your play 'Watchlist', which explored these themes with intense character flaws and ideological battles. Now with 'TRIGGERED', you're examining cancel culture and social judgment. Do you see these plays as companion pieces in some way?
What fascinated me about 'Watchlist' was how you made all characters flawed, particularly Delia, whose rigid views alienated her from the audience. Are you employing similar character dynamics with your idealistic journalist in 'TRIGGERED'?
While we were setting up this interview, you mentioned being nervous about tackling this subject matter. Can you talk about those fears and why you decided to proceed anyway?
Are there certain topics you believe should be 'untouchable' in art, or does everything deserve examination?
How do you balance critique of 'wokeism' while acknowledging its important historical roots in racial justice?
It seems your play suggests that social media amplifies our worst instincts in these debates. What role does technology play in TRIGGERED?
I was listening to Bill Maher interview Dr Phil recently, and something fascinating happened. Dr Phil suggested we need 'counsel culture' not 'cancel culture'—taking people aside for genuine conversation rather than public condemnation. What intrigued me wasn't just the idea, but how quickly people dismissed it (and attacked me for sharing it) solely because it came from Dr Phil. Does your play explore this phenomenon where we judge ideas not by their merit but by who expresses them?
There's an interesting shift happening. Post-modernism taught us to separate art from artist, to judge work on its own merits. Yet today, it seems we're moving backward, judging every idea by its source rather than its substance. How does 'TRIGGERED' grapple with this contradiction?
The term 'woke' has traveled from Marcus Garvey's 1923 call for global Black consciousness to today's often-pejorative use. Does your play address how noble movements can become distorted?
The journalist in your play is described as 'idealistic' - are you exploring how good intentions can lead to harmful outcomes?
What do you hope audiences take away from TRIGGERED?
01:13:24 Musical Pilgrimage
In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature Feel Into You by <a href="https://www.alisonnewman.net/wolf-epk">Alison Newman</a>.
Alison has just released the fifth and final track from her EP titled Wolf . This project delves into her personal experience with postnatal depression, promising a deeply introspective and emotive musical journey. We played the <a href="https://theadelaideshow.com.au/podcast-episodes/395-redgum-flavoured-mid-year-south-australian-politics-pulse-check/">first track from it back in episode 395</a>.
Alison explains “The Wolf" plays the role of the PND, and she is akin to Little Red Riding Hood.
The final track, which we play in this episode, is a song to celebrate the people that helped her through PND, and it also made it into the Top 100 in the 2024 Listen Up Music Songwriters Prize.
We've also embedded the video clip in the show notes. Alison shared the clip sending the hugest of thank yous to Bree and Caitlin for choreographing and dancing, Cat, Noe and Tiana from the <a href="https://www.lcso.org.au/">Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra</a> string section, Frank from <a href="https://helpmann.countryarts.org.au/">Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre</a> for giving her the stage, and to Marcus Jones who always listens to her wacky ideas and then brings them to life!! It was recorded in one continuous take in just a couple of hours!

In this episode, we navigate the contentious waters of politics and social media with Robert Godden, discussing the principle of 'pairing' in politics and its recent challenges. Then, we switch gears to delve into the arts with playwright Alex Vickery-Howe, whose play 'TRIGGERED' examines the sharp edges of cancel culture through a dark comedic lens.

405 - Triggered By Cancel Culture And Political Pairing

Matthew Gibb

Welcome to episode 404 of The Adelaide Show, and today we’re celebrating craft, both in whisky and in cars, with a touch of blues to finish off.

Our main guest today is Paul Burnett, distiller at 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark. Paul has taken the reins at this iconic South Australian distillery and continues to build on its legacy, with two of their whiskies recently taking gold at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024. We’ll be tasting their award-winning Australian Whisky and Australian Single Malt Whisky.

But before we get too far into the glass, we’ll shift gears into the world of automotive detailing with Matthew Gibb, a.k.a. ‘The Pad King’. Matthew, from Matt’s Magic Detail Tech, has been transforming cars for over 30 years, and with the Bay to Birdwood this weekend, it’s the perfect time to learn about the art of keeping classic cars in pristine condition. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just appreciate the love and care that goes into preserving a piece of history, Matthew’s insights into the detailing world are bound to be fascinating.

And as always, we’ll round things off with our Musical Pilgrimage, where this week, we feature a track from Adelaide’s very own Mojo Dingo. Their song, So Refined, blends modern blues and funky rhythms, and we’ll explore how they’ve made waves on the local music scene, catching the ear of industry insiders.

So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favourite South Australian spirit, and enjoy a journey through whisky, cars, and music!

You can navigate episodes using chapter markers in your podcast app. Not a fan of one segment? You can click next to jump to the next chapter in the show. We’re here to serve!

The Adelaide Show Podcast: Awarded Silver for Best Interview Podcast in Australia at the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards and named as Finalist for Best News and Current Affairs Podcast in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.

And please consider becoming part of our podcast by joining our Inner Circle. It’s an email list. Join it and you might get an email on a Sunday or Monday seeking question ideas, guest ideas and requests for other bits of feedback about YOUR podcast, The Adelaide Show. Email us directly and we’ll add you to the list: podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review in iTunes or other podcast sites, or buy some great merch from our Red Bubble store – The Adelaide Show Shop. We’d greatly appreciate it.

And please talk about us and share our episodes on social media, it really helps build our community. Oh, and here’s our index of all episode in one concise
page.

Running Sheet: Polish Those Bay To Birdwood Cars And Polish Off That Australian Whisky With A Dash Of Blues

00:00:00 Intro

Introduction

00:03:05 SA Drink Of The Week

The South Australian Drinks Of The Week this week are from 23rd Street Distillery.

In this episode, we have the privilege of tasting not one but two stellar whiskies from 23rd Street Distillery. Joining us is distiller, Paul Burnett, the man behind the magic. Well, he admits he inherited some magic when he joined the Renmark operation two years ago.

We’re doing this tasting because at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024, their Australian Whisky, triumphed in the World Whisky – Super-Premium category, and their Australian Single Malt Whisky, took gold in the Ultra-Premium category.

00:26:05 Matthew Gibb, The Pad King and Matt’s Magic Detail Tech

Just ahead of Sunday’s Bay To Birdwood, we’re joined by Matthew Gibb, the mastermind behind Matt’s Magic, a professional detailer with over 30 years of experience in the automotive detailing world.

Matthew’s journey began in 1993, transforming his humble Suzuki Swift into a showstopper, and since then, he’s been pushing the boundaries of detailing with cutting-edge technologies.

As Bay to Birdwood enthusiasts know, keeping classic cars in pristine condition is about more than just appearances—it’s a dedication to preserving history and craftsmanship. Matthew’s passion for perfection, much like that of the event’s participants, celebrates both the art and science of automotive care.

Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious about the world of detailing, today’s conversation will offer a glimpse into how Matthew has transformed his love for cars into a career at the forefront of the industry.

01:11:21 Musical Pilgrimage

In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature So Refined by Mojo Dingo.

Steve dubs them as not 12-bar blues, or 16-bar blues, or 8-bar blues, but just pure BAR blues.

Matt Cahill from Paper Rock Scissors records agrees, noting that although they’re standard 12-bar blues, the thing about them is that ‘to me’ they seem to be an almost perfect blend of blues & catchy pop/rock.

Matt had never been a fan of the Blues, until the very first time he saw these guys and signed them to his label that evening.

Mojo Dingo is a modern blues funk band hailing from Adelaide, Australia. The hardworking and dynamic group has earned its stripes on the live circuit, supporting world-renowned guitarist Josh Smith and fellow Aussie icons The Bondi Cigars.

Welcome to episode 404 of The Adelaide Show, and today we’re celebrating craft, both in whisky and in cars, with a touch of blues to finish off.
Our main guest today is Paul Burnett, distiller at 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark. Paul has taken the reins at this iconic South Australian distillery and continues to build on its legacy, with two of their whiskies recently taking gold at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024. We’ll be tasting their award-winning Australian Whisky and Australian Single Malt Whisky.
But before we get too far into the glass, we’ll shift gears into the world of automotive detailing with Matthew Gibb, a.k.a. ‘The Pad King’. Matthew, from Matt’s Magic Detail Tech, has been transforming cars for over 30 years, and with the Bay to Birdwood this weekend, it’s the perfect time to learn about the art of keeping classic cars in pristine condition. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just appreciate the love and care that goes into preserving a piece of history, Matthew’s insights into the detailing world are bound to be fascinating.
And as always, we’ll round things off with our Musical Pilgrimage, where this week, we feature a track from Adelaide’s very own Mojo Dingo. Their song, So Refined, blends modern blues and funky rhythms, and we’ll explore how they’ve made waves on the local music scene, catching the ear of industry insiders.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favourite South Australian spirit, and enjoy a journey through whisky, cars, and music!
You can navigate episodes using chapter markers in your podcast app. Not a fan of one segment? You can click next to jump to the next chapter in the show. We’re here to serve!
The Adelaide Show Podcast: Awarded Silver for Best Interview Podcast in Australia at the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards and named as Finalist for Best News and Current Affairs Podcast in the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards.
And please consider becoming part of our podcast by joining our Inner Circle. It’s an email list. Join it and you might get an email on a Sunday or Monday seeking question ideas, guest ideas and requests for other bits of feedback about YOUR podcast, The Adelaide Show. Email us directly and we’ll add you to the list: <a href="mailto:podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au">podcast@theadelaideshow.com.au</a>
If you enjoy the show, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/another-boring-thursday-night/id696302138">leave us a 5-star review </a>in iTunes or other podcast sites, or buy some great merch from our Red Bubble store – <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/theadelaideshow/shop?asc=u">The Adelaide Show Shop</a>. We’d greatly appreciate it.
And please talk about us and share our episodes on social media, it really helps build our community. Oh, and here’s <a href="https://theadelaideshow.com.au/complete-list-adelaide-show-episodes/">our index of all episode in one concise page.</a>
Running Sheet: Polish Those Bay To Birdwood Cars And Polish Off That Australian Whisky With A Dash Of Blues
00:00:00 Intro
Introduction
00:03:05 SA Drink Of The Week
The South Australian Drinks Of The Week this week are from <a href="https://www.23rdstreetdistillery.com.au/">23rd Street Distillery</a>.
In this episode, we have the privilege of tasting not one but two stellar whiskies from 23rd Street Distillery. Joining us is distiller, Paul Burnett, the man behind the magic. Well, he admits he inherited some magic when he joined the Renmark operation two years ago.
We’re doing this tasting because at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024, their <a href="https://www.23rdstreetdistillery.com.au/products/australian-whisky">Australian Whisky</a>, triumphed in the World Whisky – Super-Premium category, and their <a href="https://www.23rdstreetdistillery.com.au/products/australian-single-malt-whisky">Australian Single Malt Whisky</a>, took gold in the Ultra-Premium category.
00:26:05 Matthew Gibb, The Pad King and Matt’s Magic Detail Tech
Just ahead of Sunday’s Bay To Birdwood, we’re joined by Matthew Gibb, the mastermind behind <a href="https://www.mattsmagic.com.au/">Matt’s Magic</a>, a professional detailer with over 30 years of experience in the automotive detailing world.
Matthew’s journey began in 1993, transforming his humble Suzuki Swift into a showstopper, and since then, he’s been pushing the boundaries of detailing with cutting-edge technologies.
As <a href="https://baytobirdwood.history.sa.gov.au/">Bay to Birdwood</a> enthusiasts know, keeping classic cars in pristine condition is about more than just appearances—it’s a dedication to preserving history and craftsmanship. Matthew’s passion for perfection, much like that of the event’s participants, celebrates both the art and science of automotive care.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious about the world of detailing, today’s conversation will offer a glimpse into how Matthew has transformed his love for cars into a career at the forefront of the industry.
01:11:21 Musical Pilgrimage
In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature So Refined by Mojo Dingo.
Steve dubs them as not 12-bar blues, or 16-bar blues, or 8-bar blues, but just pure BAR blues.
Matt Cahill from <a href="https://www.prsrecords.com/">Paper Rock Scissors records</a> agrees, noting that although they’re standard 12-bar blues, the thing about them is that ‘to me’ they seem to be an almost perfect blend of blues &amp; catchy pop/rock.
Matt had never been a fan of the Blues, until the very first time he saw these guys and signed them to his label that evening.
<a href="https://mojodingo.bandcamp.com/album/mojo-dingo">Mojo Dingo</a> is a modern blues funk band hailing from Adelaide, Australia. The hardworking and dynamic group has earned its stripes on the live circuit, supporting world-renowned guitarist Josh Smith and fellow Aussie icons The Bondi Cigars.

In this episode of The Adelaide Show, we delve into the world of award-winning whisky with 23rd Street Distillery’s Paul Burnett, explore the art of automotive detailing ahead of Bay to Birdwood with Matthew Gibb, and wrap up with the soulful blues of Mojo Dingo in our Musical Pilgrimage.

Episode 22: Group A Streptococcus / Streptococcus Pyogenes | A Classical Killer

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