John Dent, amateur historian and archeologist

From the very early days of Agfest, to some of the most important archeological explorations in Tasmania, this is a fascinating chat with well known historian John Dent. 

A tribute to Greg Leong

In this Hot Seat program, we remember one Tasmania’s prominent theatre personalities. Greg Leong died in March, aged 79, after a life of mentoring performers and artists across Tasmania, and the world. He was an artistic director, performer, curator and administrator, and as General Manager of Thea…

Jacob Gibson and J-Pex, local musicians

Hear from two rising stars in the Tasmanian music scene – singer/songwriter and rap artists Jakob Gibson, or simply “Gibb”, and also his fellow rapper J-Pex, in this episode of The Hot Seat They tell our host Shabih about how they came into music and what inspires them to be creative. When Jakob r…

Carol Chen, student from Vietnam

Carol Chan is new to Tassie, and she discusses with host Rob Youngs about her early life in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and the impact that life and study in Australia and Launceston has had on her outlook.  

Latham Thigpen, and his musical journey from the U.S. to Tasmania

Be enthralled by Latham's stories of growing up in the U.S., including meeting some very famous musicians, and then his move to Tasmania. 

Rick Marton - forever curious, and founder of Rosie's Reading.

Rick Marton is well-known in the community from Rotary and tourism and mental health support and the Deloraine Craft Fair, to his most recent gig as the Channel 7 TV weatherman. He also tells Chris Sayer about his charity – Rosie’s Reading, which is a children’s literacy program that encourages you…

Maya Stocks

Local Launceston woman Maya Stocks talks to Rob Youngs about her journey to Australia. Before starting new chapters in Launceston, Maya grew up in Iran where her family was heavily impacted by the turbulence and chaos that followed the 1979 revolution. We learn of the challenges she overcame, and t…

Denise Fletcher, author

Denise Fletcher was a teacher and then worked in corporate finance, before having a 20 year career at the heart of Australian politics as a staffer. Her recent retirement has allowed the opportunity to finish her first fiction novel. The book is a rare glimpse behind people in political life. You'…

John Ralph, the Launceston Urban Fringe Trail, and bagpipes

John Ralph returns for a 2nd sitting in The Hot Seat. We find out just what’s happened in the eight years since his last appearance. Much of the discussion, however, centres on the Launceston Urban Fringe Trail, as the project has developed further to now include wheelchair access. Hear what John's…

James Preece - local fire fighter, entrepreneur and family man

Our guest in the Hot Seat this week will be James Preece. who has a rich history in building community health and well-being. In this program, James joins presenter Rob Youngs to explain the passions, influences and circumstances that have shaped his adventurous and impactful career.