The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-16

PROGRAM 056 20260316

Interview : Wayne Bemet

Interview by John Weeks

Wayne Bemet is a former Australian Defence Force (ADF) serviceman who served for 19 years (from around 2000 to 2018) in both the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO), with qualifications including CSM FC (likely Chief Petty Officer in a fighter controller or similar role), and served as a Navy Fighter Controller, including a posting to 2 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown.

During his career, he completed five operational deployments between 2002 and 2015. He was medically discharged in 2017 due to multiple physical injuries, including severe damage to both knees and other accumulated issues from service.

After transitioning to civilian life, Bemet reinvented himself by re-educating and focusing on supporting other veterans. 

Talking points:
- First-hand experience flying missions on the E-7A Wedgetail
- The operational role and capabilities of the aircraft
- Strategic implications for Australia and the Middle East region
- Australia’s military posture and regional security considerations
- Broader perspectives on defence and global market impacts

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-16
PROGRAM 056 20260316
Interview : Wayne Bemet
Interview by John Weeks
Wayne Bemet is a former Australian Defence Force (ADF) serviceman who served for 19 years (from around 2000 to 2018) in both the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO), with qualifications including CSM FC (likely Chief Petty Officer in a fighter controller or similar role), and served as a Navy Fighter Controller, including a posting to 2 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown.
During his career, he completed five operational deployments between 2002 and 2015. He was medically discharged in 2017 due to multiple physical injuries, including severe damage to both knees and other accumulated issues from service.
After transitioning to civilian life, Bemet reinvented himself by re-educating and focusing on supporting other veterans.&nbsp;
Talking points: - First-hand experience flying missions on the E-7A Wedgetail - The operational role and capabilities of the aircraft - Strategic implications for Australia and the Middle East region - Australia&rsquo;s military posture and regional security considerations - Broader perspectives on defence and global market impacts

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-16

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-9

FEATURE 1

Interview : Elizabeth Jane

Interview by John Weeks

Elizabeth Jane | Best-selling author and emotional wellbeing thought leader

Topic: Simple mindset shifts for a more empowered and emotionally healthy life

Talking points:

- Why emotional disconnection leads to poor life decisions

- Learning to pause before reacting or making major choices

- Rebuilding confidence after divorce and life challenges

- Practical ways Australians can improve wellbeing in everyday life

- Creating healthier relationships and boundaries

Website: https://elizabethjane.com.au/

 

FEATURE 2

Interview : Trent Richardson

Interview by John Weeks

Trent Richardson Releases Personal New Single, ‘World Comes Alive’

Raised on a camel farm and once working 400 metres underground in the 

mines, Trent Richardson’s path to the Top 6 of Australian Idol in 2024 was 

anything but typical.

Last Monday, February 23, the Yeppoon country artist released his fifth 

single, World Comes Alive, a song inspired by his partner Gab and the 

night they met.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-9
FEATURE 1
Interview : Elizabeth Jane
Interview by John Weeks
Elizabeth Jane | Best-selling author and emotional wellbeing thought leader
Topic: Simple mindset shifts for a more empowered and emotionally healthy life
Talking points:
- Why emotional disconnection leads to poor life decisions
- Learning to pause before reacting or making major choices
- Rebuilding confidence after divorce and life challenges
- Practical ways Australians can improve wellbeing in everyday life
- Creating healthier relationships and boundaries
Website: https://elizabethjane.com.au/
&nbsp;
FEATURE 2
Interview : Trent Richardson
Interview by John Weeks
Trent Richardson Releases Personal New Single, &lsquo;World Comes Alive&rsquo;
Raised on a camel farm and once working 400 metres underground in the&nbsp;
mines, Trent Richardson&rsquo;s path to the Top 6 of Australian Idol in 2024 was&nbsp;
anything but typical.
Last Monday, February 23, the Yeppoon country artist released his fifth&nbsp;
single, World Comes Alive, a song inspired by his partner Gab and the&nbsp;
night they met.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-9

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-2

Interview : Col Finley

Interview by John Weeks

[ Time Start on 19:20 ]

Col Finley Conquers Mr Wrong In The Finleys’ New Single

“I’ve got to kill Mr Wrong to get Mrs Right”

For more than three decades, Col Finley has lived up to the title many gave him early on as the Original Outlaw of Australian country music.

Long before country rock became mainstream, Col was pushing boundaries. The show was loud, theatrical and unapologetic. Traditionalists raised eyebrows, but audiences turned up anyway and Col created a loyal following.

But behind the bravado was a man battling plenty.

Across 33 years of recording, touring and songwriting, Col rode the highs of success and the sting of failure. Drugs, alcohol and severe mental health struggles nearly ended it all.

It was his now wife, Nellie, who found him unconscious and rushed him to hospital. That moment changed everything.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-2
Interview : Col Finley
Interview by John Weeks
[ Time Start on 19:20 ]
Col Finley Conquers Mr Wrong In The Finleys&rsquo; New Single
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got to kill Mr Wrong to get Mrs Right&rdquo;
For more than three decades, Col Finley has lived up to the title many gave him early on as the Original Outlaw of Australian country music.
Long before country rock became mainstream, Col was pushing boundaries. The show was loud, theatrical and unapologetic. Traditionalists raised eyebrows, but audiences turned up anyway and Col created a loyal following.
But behind the bravado was a man battling plenty.
Across 33 years of recording, touring and songwriting, Col rode the highs of success and the sting of failure. Drugs, alcohol and severe mental health struggles nearly ended it all.
It was his now wife, Nellie, who found him unconscious and rushed him to hospital. That moment changed everything.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-3-2

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-23

FEATURE 1

Interview: Dr Ross Hollett  -  by John Weeks

He is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Arts and Humanities (Psychology) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Western Australia. He also serves as the Course Coordinator for the undergraduate psychology program there. He completed his PhD at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2015, with his thesis focusing on the role of alcohol craving in decision-making.

Today's topic : Edith Cowan University study finds 15-second health ads can curb junk food cravings

 

FEATURE 2

Interview : John Cuturilo. He is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, holding a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Graduate Diploma of Counselling."

Interview by John Weeks

Topic : What it means to be normal, and the caveats of this concept.

 

FEATURE 3

Interview : Bob Morton, cofounder and CEO of The Property Clearance Company

Interview by John Weeks 

Bob Morton is the co-founder and CEO of The Property Clearance Company, an Australian-based business specializing in professional property clearance services. He runs the company alongside his wife, Jude Morton, who is also a co-founder.

Topic : How Australians preparing to downsize could be accidentally tossing away items that are now worth serious money.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-23
FEATURE 1
Interview: Dr Ross Hollett &nbsp;- &nbsp;by John Weeks
He is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Arts and Humanities (Psychology) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Western Australia. He also serves as the Course Coordinator for the undergraduate psychology program there. He completed his PhD at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2015, with his thesis focusing on the role of alcohol craving in decision-making.
Today's topic : Edith Cowan University study finds 15-second health ads can curb junk food cravings
&nbsp;
FEATURE 2
Interview : John Cuturilo. He is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, holding a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Graduate Diploma of Counselling."
Interview by John Weeks
Topic : What it means to be normal, and the caveats of this concept.
&nbsp;
FEATURE 3
Interview : Bob Morton, cofounder and CEO of The Property Clearance Company
Interview by John Weeks&nbsp;
Bob Morton is the co-founder and CEO of The Property Clearance Company, an Australian-based business specializing in professional property clearance services. He runs the company alongside his wife, Jude Morton, who is also a co-founder.
Topic : How Australians preparing to downsize could be accidentally tossing away items that are now worth serious money.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-23

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-16

Feature 1

Singer/Songwriter Interview Series #31 - Jess Coombes

Interview by John Weeks

Jess Coombes focuses on now with new single, The In Between

Third time’s a charm for Gloucester singer-songwriter Jess Coombes who released her new single, The In Between, on February 12, 2026.

The In Between continues her focus on telling her stories of regional life through her country-pop style of music.

Singer-songwriter, producer and video director Jake Davey co-wrote the single which stemmed from Jess thinking about learning to slow down and focus on the present rather than always looking ahead.

Feature 2

Interview: Dr Anabela Malpique, senior lecturer in literacy from the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU)

Interview by John Weeks

The writing is on the wall — Are kids ditching pens for keyboards?

A nation-wide study of more than 500 Australian primary school students in Year 2 has revealed how beginner writers’ attitude and motivation towards writing is related to the quality of their writing and writing skills (handwriting vs keyboard automaticity).

The research led by Dr Anabela Malpique, senior lecturer in literacy from the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU), in collaboration with colleagues from the Writing for All research group, examined students’ specific attitudes toward writing on paper compared to writing using a computer. The researchers also looked at how primary school-aged students feel about writing more generally.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-16
Feature 1
Singer/Songwriter Interview Series #31 - Jess Coombes
Interview by John Weeks
Jess Coombes focuses on now with new single, The In Between
Third time&rsquo;s a charm for Gloucester singer-songwriter Jess Coombes who released her new single, The In Between, on February 12, 2026.
The In Between continues her focus on telling her stories of regional life through her country-pop style of music.
Singer-songwriter, producer and video director Jake Davey co-wrote the single which stemmed from Jess thinking about learning to slow down and focus on the present rather than always looking ahead.
Feature 2
Interview: Dr Anabela Malpique, senior lecturer in literacy from the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Interview by John Weeks
The writing is on the wall &mdash; Are kids ditching pens for keyboards?
A nation-wide study of more than 500 Australian primary school students in Year 2 has revealed how beginner writers&rsquo; attitude and motivation towards writing is related to the quality of their writing and writing skills (handwriting vs keyboard automaticity).
The research led by Dr Anabela Malpique, senior lecturer in literacy from the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU), in collaboration with colleagues from the Writing for All research group, examined students&rsquo; specific attitudes toward writing on paper compared to writing using a computer. The researchers also looked at how primary school-aged students feel about writing more generally.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-16

PROGRAM 051 - 9 FEBRUARY 2026
 
Interview: Kevin Patrick​​

​Kevin Patrick is a prominent Australian comics historian, academic, and enthusiast specializing in the history of Australian comic books.​

Topic : What were the concerns of comic books in Australia in the 1950s?
 
In the 1950s, Australia experienced a significant moral panic over comic books, mirroring similar concerns in the United States, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand. This was part of a broader post-World War II anxiety about youth culture, juvenile delinquency, and the influence of mass media on children and teenagers.
​----------------------------------------------

​Parliament House has started actively this year by introducing laws against hate speech, extremism and antisemitism after the tragedy at Bondi in December. 

​But with a rise in protests against migration in Australia, how can these laws be helpful for multicultural communities?

​The Wire's Eduardo Jordan spoke with Member for Griffith Renee Coffey and Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill and started asking how their electorates received the news of the Bondi tragedy in December. ​​​​​​​

---------------------------------------------​​​​​​

​​Interview : Associate Professor Helen Adam from the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU)​
​
Interview by John Weeks

Through the looking glass: New framework gives language to representation in children’s books

An international group of literacy education experts are calling on teachers and parents to adopt a new framework for teaching critical consciousness in children through the way they learn to view the books they read.

PROGRAM 051 - 9 FEBRUARY 2026 &nbsp; Interview: Kevin Patrick​​
​Kevin Patrick is a prominent Australian comics historian, academic, and enthusiast specializing in the history of Australian comic books.​
Topic : What were the concerns of comic books in Australia in the 1950s? &nbsp; In the 1950s, Australia experienced a significant moral panic over comic books, mirroring similar concerns in the United States, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand. This was part of a broader post-World War II anxiety about youth culture, juvenile delinquency, and the influence of mass media on children and teenagers. ​----------------------------------------------
​Parliament House has started actively this year by introducing laws against hate speech, extremism and antisemitism after the tragedy at Bondi in December.&nbsp;
​But with a rise in protests against migration in Australia, how can these laws be helpful for multicultural communities?
​The Wire's Eduardo Jordan spoke with Member for Griffith Renee Coffey and Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill and started asking how their electorates received the news of the Bondi tragedy in December. ​​​​​​​
---------------------------------------------​​​​​​
​​Interview : Associate Professor Helen Adam from the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU)​ ​ Interview by John Weeks
Through the looking glass: New framework gives language to representation in children&rsquo;s books
An international group of literacy education experts are calling on teachers and parents to adopt a new framework for teaching critical consciousness in children through the way they learn to view the books they read.

The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-2-9

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The John Weeks Show Podcast - 2026-1-12

The John Weeks Show is a two-hour radio program that focusses on social media, science, the environment, self-development, personal achievement, social justice, and other associated areas.

The program addresses these subjects in an honest, sincere and non-sensational way. Each of John’s guests is treated with the utmost respect.

The show features music of many genres (eg ambient, Celtic, electronic, contemporary style of music, 'World', Blues….).

John, a veteran broadcaster on Community radio for 29 years, is a strong supporter of the arts & entertainment scene. Through his radio programs he has promoted established and lesser-known musicians, authors, artists and achievers.

The John Weeks Show is a two-hour radio program that focusses on social media, science, the environment, self-development, personal achievement, social justice, and other associated areas. The program addresses these subjects in an honest, sincere and non-sensational way. Each of John&rsquo;s guests is treated with the utmost respect. The show features music of many genres (eg ambient, Celtic, electronic, contemporary style of music, 'World', Blues&hellip;.). John, a veteran broadcaster on Community radio for 29 years, is a strong supporter of the arts &amp; entertainment scene. Through his radio programs he has promoted established and lesser-known musicians, authors, artists and achievers.

The John Weeks Show

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