Well, this was the first (LIVE recording on site) of what I hope is many and also at least 8 years in the making. 

You know when you met someone and you just know...... there's a story there. 

This is Kate Kirkpatrick. 

And this is part one, because this woman has a few layers and we have only peeled back one. 

I got to interview Kate live from the Grampians Grape Escape. An event she has been the director of for the past 9 years. 

You can hear the crowd, you can hear the music, you can hear the fun that is everything that is all wrapped up in the event and it's great big heart. 

This is a festival to celebrate the region.

This is a festival that brings the locals together and attracts the tourists. 

Fires have ripped through this region.

The emotion of those fires is still bubbling just under the surface. The locals have had to fight. Not just for their homes, but their livelihoods. 

You can see the black trees and two summers on while the feeling is still raw you can see the green of the new gum trees. You can see a community saying our arms are open come say G'Day. 

This episode was recorded on location of the Grape Escape and it is a part one because we didn't even touch the outside.

This episode is as much about the event as the woman and team behind it. 

Enjoy the episode. 

Our first LIVE recording. 


OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

Well, this was the first (LIVE recording on site) of what I hope is many and also at least 8 years in the making.&nbsp;
You know when you met someone and you just know...... there's a story there.&nbsp;
This is Kate Kirkpatrick.&nbsp;
And this is part one, because this woman has a few layers and we have only peeled back one.&nbsp;
I got to interview Kate live from the Grampians Grape Escape. An event she has been the director of for the past 9 years.&nbsp;
You can hear the crowd, you can hear the music, you can hear the fun that is everything that is all wrapped up in the event and it's great big heart.&nbsp;
This is a festival to celebrate the region.
This is a festival that brings the locals together and attracts the tourists.&nbsp;
Fires have ripped through this region.
The emotion of those fires is still bubbling just under the surface. The locals have had to fight. Not just for their homes, but their livelihoods.&nbsp;
You can see the black trees and two summers on while the feeling is still raw you can see the green of the new gum trees. You can see a community saying our arms are open come say G'Day.&nbsp;
This episode was recorded on location of the Grape Escape and it is a part one because we didn't even touch the outside.
This episode is as much about the event as the woman and team behind it.&nbsp;
Enjoy the episode.&nbsp;
Our first LIVE recording.&nbsp;
 OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!
Luv Kate
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

46/100  DAYS (ish) Days: Kate Kirkpatrick Part One. The Grape Escape

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/0d2fd656-2336-4ee0-a534-b43f007e11cd/transcript

Anne-Louise Sarks is Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Theatre Company - the first solo woman to hold the Artistic Director role since the company was founded in 1953, and sole Chief Executive Officer since late 2025 (one of very few leaders of Australian theatre companies to hold both roles outright). 
An internationally acclaimed director, writer and dramaturg, her work has been seen across Melbourne, Sydney, London, Helsinki, Mexico City, New York, Warsaw, Dublin, Auckland, Mumbai, Perth and Basel.
We catch Anne- Louise right in the middle of a busy day. In fact I don't imagine there isn't one day in the week that isn't back to back. We couldn't cover everything and one of them My Brilliant Career but all I will say is if you get the chance to see it. Please do. Stat! 
Enjoy the episode
OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

Anne-Louise Sarks is Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Theatre Company - the first solo woman to hold the Artistic Director role since the company was founded in 1953, and sole Chief Executive Officer since late 2025 (one of very few leaders of Australian theatre companies to hold both roles outright).&nbsp; An internationally acclaimed director, writer and dramaturg, her work has been seen across Melbourne, Sydney, London, Helsinki, Mexico City, New York, Warsaw, Dublin, Auckland, Mumbai, Perth and Basel. We catch Anne- Louise right in the middle of a busy day. In fact I don't imagine there isn't one day in the week that isn't back to back. We couldn't cover everything and one of them My Brilliant Career but all I will say is if you get the chance to see it. Please do. Stat!&nbsp; Enjoy the episode OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!
Luv Kate
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

47/100 (ish) Days: Anne-Louise Sarks. In a moment of Bravado I said if you want the show you have to take me too.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b2623c73-4df7-4d1a-9c91-b43300148788/transcript

We hear about the 3rd chapter. We think about it. But how do you start? For Joanne it was the kids, the family and friends. A simple 'but you are so good at it'. And the result. I'll say it now..... a dessert that will have you moaning out loud! (forgive me Nonnas). We meet Joanne in this beautiful stage. The one between working and developing something of her own..... and gosh it tastes good!
This is the story of heritage, being Italian, sharing food and what's most important- Family. 
Enjoy the episode
OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

We hear about the 3rd chapter. We think about it. But how do you start? For Joanne it was the kids, the family and friends. A simple 'but you are so good at it'. And the result. I'll say it now..... a dessert that will have you moaning out loud! (forgive me Nonnas). We meet Joanne in this beautiful stage. The one between working and developing something of her own..... and gosh it tastes good! This is the story of heritage, being Italian, sharing food and what's most important- Family.&nbsp; Enjoy the episode OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!
Luv Kate
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

45/100 DAYS (ish) Joanne Paola. YUM!!!! I didn't want to wonder what if?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/f7f1ad5c-7a8a-4ecb-9b25-b4320049f918/transcript

It's funny how a single item can take you straight back to your dining table as a child. It was the salt that got me! Jacklyn, had an AH HA moment in her 20's. That moment when she knew she was miserable and not on her path. So, she packed up and found herself. She found her calling. WOW!
Using iconic Australian staples like Vegemite and Iced Vovos, Jacklyn’s work explores food nostalgia and the comfort of familiar everyday rituals.
Enjoy the episode
OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

It's funny how a single item can take you straight back to your dining table as a child. It was the salt that got me! Jacklyn, had an AH HA moment in her 20's. That moment when she knew she was miserable and not on her path. So, she packed up and found herself. She found her calling. WOW! Using iconic Australian staples like Vegemite and Iced Vovos, Jacklyn&rsquo;s work explores food nostalgia and the comfort of familiar everyday rituals. Enjoy the episode OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!
Luv Kate
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

44/100 DAYS (ish) Days: Jacklyn Foster

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/f16d63f2-578d-4e66-941a-b4320001c8d9/transcript

I think it could be easy to forget our why along the way. Why is it that we do what we do and when it gets hard....why do we do what we do?!But for Jenny Tian it's always been about her audience. I walked away from listening to Jenny (and this isn't a story about creative process or even how she got to this point in her career) remembering that no one is going to give you want all dished up on a plate.That even with a marketing degree behind her it will always need to be about the audience and what they want.Jenny told me that no one told me she was funny; and I laughed. She is pretty darn funny and I hope all her dreams come true. 
Enjoy the episodeOH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned! 

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

I think it could be easy to forget our why along the way. Why is it that we do what we do and when it gets hard....why do we do what we do?!But for Jenny Tian it's always been about her audience.&nbsp;I walked away from listening to Jenny (and this isn't a story about&nbsp;creative process or even how she got to this point in her career) remembering that no one is going to give you want all dished up on a plate.That even with a marketing degree behind her it will always need to be about the audience and what they want.Jenny told me that no one told me she was funny; and I laughed. She is pretty&nbsp;darn funny and I hope all her dreams come true.&nbsp; Enjoy the episodeOH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned! Luv Kate *This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

43/100 (ish) days TAKE 2: JENNY TIAN. It's got to be about the audience

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d18fa3ab-fa21-47a7-82c3-b42e00815ce7/transcript

You know you are in trouble when your mother uses your first name!

Sitting on her couch with her dog beside her Lizzy Hoo reminds us that there is no walking away once you know. Once you know what you were put on this Earth to do.

From corporate to stand up there is a grit that needs to hold you and Lizzy has it in spades. 

There is a rule of 3 Lizzy lives by. If she shares a story x3 times there is something in it. 

Enjoy the process. But know that no one is going to just give it to you. 

Enjoy the episode.

OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned! 

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

 

 

You know you are in trouble when your mother uses your first name!
Sitting on her couch with her dog beside her Lizzy Hoo reminds us that there is no walking away once you know. Once you know what you were put on this Earth to do.
From corporate to stand up there is a grit that needs to hold you and Lizzy has it in spades.&nbsp;
There is a rule of 3 Lizzy lives by. If she shares a story x3 times there is something in it.&nbsp;
Enjoy the process. But know that no one is going to just give it to you.&nbsp;
Enjoy the episode.
OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!&nbsp;
Luv Kate
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

42/100 TAKE 2- LIZZY HOO. Comedy. Are you sure Elizabeth?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2e3d49ee-a429-4ffe-9163-b4280014d23f/transcript

Today is World Parkinson’s Day and we will be featuring Xanya Mamunya, who was a concert harpist and teacher, also has PD and is currently a dancer with Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, that is about to embark on a collaboration with Paris Wages with @ausballet

But this episode is about the extraordinary woman who tells us that the ‘Harp plays you’ and that having Parkinson’s means choosing joy & choosing movement.

Thankyou Xanya. Thankyou.

** Note. We do have some pauses here. Part internet. Part just pauses. They remain as they are. As it was recorded. 

OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned! 

Luv Kate

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

Today is World Parkinson&rsquo;s Day and we will be featuring Xanya Mamunya, who was a concert harpist and teacher, also has PD and is currently a dancer with Dance for Parkinson&rsquo;s Australia, that is about to embark on a collaboration with Paris Wages with @ausballet
But this episode is about the extraordinary woman who tells us that the &lsquo;Harp plays you&rsquo; and that having Parkinson&rsquo;s means choosing joy &amp; choosing movement.
Thankyou Xanya. Thankyou.
** Note. We do have some pauses here. Part internet. Part just pauses. They remain as they are. As it was recorded.&nbsp;
OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!&nbsp;
Luv Kate
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

41/100 TAKE 2: Xanya Mamunya. The Harp plays you and then Parkinson's plays you

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/69805b99-62a6-44a7-b66a-b428000e9cc4/transcript

Claire is just funny. She will greet you with a warm smile that reaches her eyes. 

Yet she can sit in the silence; craves it. This was something I understood completely. 

I thought this chat was going to be about comedy (and it is in part), and creative process (it is in part) but something that really stopped me was the relationship of social media. The understanding of the role it plays in promotion of not just the comedian and show but the para social relationship with people BUT more than that; identifying that it's just not good for her. 

So how do you get around it? On one hand you need it, on the other it's not good. Some things are just private. 

Claire is in the middle of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Peak funny times in Melbourne! 

I am so glad she gave up time to sit with me and share with you, but also to share so vulnerable. 

For this I am grateful. I am curious now- I wonder what her garden is like at home?

Enjoy the episode.

Luv Kate 

OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned! 

 

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

Claire is just funny. She will greet you with a warm smile that reaches her eyes.&nbsp;
Yet she can sit in the silence; craves it. This was something I understood completely.&nbsp;
I thought this chat was going to be about comedy (and it is in part), and creative process (it is in part) but something that really stopped me was the relationship of social media. The understanding of the role it plays in promotion of not just the comedian and show but the para social relationship with people BUT more than that; identifying that it's just not good for her.&nbsp;
So how do you get around it? On one hand you need it, on the other it's not good. Some things are just private.&nbsp;
Claire is in the middle of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Peak funny times in Melbourne!&nbsp;
I am so glad she gave up time to sit with me and share with you, but also to share so vulnerable.&nbsp;
For this I am grateful. I am curious now- I wonder what her garden is like at home?
Enjoy the episode.
Luv Kate&nbsp;
OH! And if you are listening for the first time! This is your introduction (required reading). This series is unedited, raw and just gets straight into it. You have been warned!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

40/100 TAKE 2: CLAIRE HOOPER. Gardens & Giggles

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/9eba0605-2caa-42d4-87fa-b42800021da9/transcript

First up, can you feel it? Our young men? Who are our leaders of our young men? 

A conversation that is bubbling away and the question is can we course correct or is it too far gone?

Jasmin Tarasin is an Australian writer, director and producer and LIFE COULD BE A DREAM is a story that had to be told. 

A lifetime of work and projects and development. It's time for Jasmin to debut her feature film that will ask yourself those questions about our beautiful boys and do it through film and in a way that will burst open gentle conversations or harsh straight to the point ones as we find ourselves in this moment in time. 

Thank-you Jasmin for sharing your time with us. 

I can't wait to talk to my son about the film. 
Luv Kate

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM: In selected cinemas May 14th 2026

How do we shed old stories about how love should be and write new ones?

In the brightness of an Australian summer, 40-year-old Sarah must confront the brutal truth that she's trapped in an abusive marriage and the romantic illusions that have sustained it. As the struggles of her 13-year-old son's adolescence begin to surface, she sees the escalating danger of staying – for both herself and her son.

 

*This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

First up, can you feel it? Our young men? Who are our leaders of our young men?&nbsp;
A conversation that is bubbling away and the question is can we course correct or is it too far gone?
Jasmin Tarasin is an Australian writer, director and producer and LIFE COULD BE A DREAM is a story that had to be told.&nbsp;
A lifetime of work and projects and development. It's time for Jasmin to debut her feature film that will ask yourself those questions about our beautiful boys and do it through film and in a way that will burst open gentle conversations or harsh straight to the point ones as we find ourselves in this moment in time.&nbsp;
Thank-you Jasmin for sharing your time with us.&nbsp;
I can't wait to talk to my son about the film.&nbsp; Luv Kate
LIFE COULD BE A DREAM: In selected cinemas May 14th 2026
How do we shed old stories about how love should be and write new ones?
In the brightness of an Australian summer, 40-year-old Sarah must confront the brutal truth that she's trapped in an abusive marriage and the romantic illusions that have sustained it. As the struggles of her 13-year-old son's adolescence begin to surface, she sees the escalating danger of staying &ndash; for both herself and her son.
&nbsp;
*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

39/100 TAKE 2: Jasmin Tarasin. A love letter to young men

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ff027a5a-9916-4ee5-adcc-b426001626a3/transcript

For many reasons we are not giving Jacki's full name and we don't mind.

This is one of those stories that you think you know where it is going to go...then.... BAM! Jacki is moving to New York, taking a class at NYC, moving apartments in Taxis before coming back to Melbourne.

I thought this was a business story. 

I was curious about buying a business. I had questions.... but mostly; why not just start your own? Why buy?

This was all that and more.

It's always more. Always. 

Here is to everyone that has found themselves in a position of asking 'what next' after a structure at work? What does next look like?

This is a story that is for anyone that has ever doubted all those layers of education and side ways steps.

This is about building a life the way you want it to look.

I hope you enjoy.

Luv Kate 

 *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.
#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter

For many reasons we are not giving Jacki's full name and we don't mind.
This is one of those stories that you think you know where it is going to go...then.... BAM! Jacki is moving to New York, taking a class at NYC, moving apartments in Taxis before coming back to Melbourne.
I thought this was a business story.&nbsp;
I was curious about buying a business. I had questions.... but mostly; why not just start your own? Why buy?
This was all that and more.
It's always more. Always.&nbsp;
Here is to everyone that has found themselves in a position of asking 'what next' after a structure at work? What does next look like?
This is a story that is for anyone that has ever doubted all those layers of education and side ways steps.
This is about building a life the way you want it to look.
I hope you enjoy.
Luv Kate&nbsp;
&nbsp;*This episode was recorded via Zoom &amp; is unedited. #ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer &amp; presenter

38/100 TAKE 2: Jacki The Vintage Secret. It's a New York kinda thing but not...maybe

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/fce22f7a-f781-4cff-9354-b42500679e8d/transcript

Women of Influence, with Kate Meade. We are on a mission to find the most incredible women. Some we will know, others are going about their daily lives. Everyone has a story. She is a CEO, She is a volunteer, She is a TV host, She is a doctor, an educator, a scientist, a leader. She is just getting on with it. What can we learn from her, what’s her message? Join me to celebrate incredible, inspiring women and shine a great big beacon of light on their stories. Let’s learn from the women that are paving the way for us. I love to learn and my favorite way is through storytelling. I am curious - absolutely fascinated - with people's stories. I can’t wait to get to KNOW the person in front of me and HOW they got to be where they are today. Where did they grow up, what gets them excited, why do they do what they do and, when it gets tough… why do they do what they do? This is the Women of Influence Podcast.
Hosted by Kate Meade Produced by Sophie Jackson

The Women of Influence Podcast

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

162 clip(s)