The ticket arrived a few weeks ago and I have to admit, I was excited. And so was my son. He’d bought them in advance and the timing for the event, being the weekend of my birthday, was spot-on perfect.

Of course, tickets aren’t really tickets anymore, at least not in the physical sense. Like everything else, the paper version is now replaced by a cleverly crafted set of electrons and lines of code, stored very conveniently on my iThing. In a roundabout way, it serves as a metaphor for how much things have changed since I last attended the event itself.

But no matter; the message attached to the email said it all - “We’re going!”. I’ve been looking forward to it ever since.

We were off to the Melbourne Motor Show.

This semi-annual event has been around in one form or another for decades and in the years of my youth - that most glorious decade of them all, the ‘80s - my father and I would go practically every year. Dad loved cars - well, he loved pretty much anything that could be driven around - and like all boys my age, I was into them too. Things were far more tribal back then. You could be in the Holden tribe or the Ford tribe, but never both. Such thoughts were too sacrilegious to even contemplate.

But in that era, Australia actually manufactured things. Home-grown vehicle manufacturing was still in full swing, and the yearly capital city motor shows were the places where all the big companies showcased their latest models to an eager, and largely parochial, market. In my experience, it was the halls of Melbourne’s Exhibition Buildings which were filled with home-grown models from Ford, Holden (GM, if you’re playing from elsewhere), Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Practically every model on the floor had rolled off production lines in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane, and no matter which brand you might’ve been loyal to, models such as “Kingswood” and “Commodore” and “Falcon” and “Skyline” and “Sigma” could not readily be found anywhere else on the planet. The industry was huge and gave us a real sense of national identity. Something to be proud of.

In the Australia of 2026 however, every single one of those factories is long gone.

But like it or not, change is inevitable. How we deal with it is a choice. And it doesn’t have to be a binary one. Better? Worse? Or just different.

Those memories will stay with my generation forever, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still be interested in - even excited by - what today’s manufacturers are coming up with. Better still, the tradition of a father and son sharing a love of all things automotive, in a setting like this, remains constant.

The most immediate difference is that the show is now held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre - better known to most Melburnians simply as “Jeff’s Shed”. Striding through the doors, we’re quickly into the cavernous hall, surrounded by hundreds of new cars, along with a great selection of heritage displays. You know… all those brand names I mentioned earlier.

Two factors from here are conspicuous, and while perhaps one would be expected, the other was surprising. First, it is clear that Chinese vehicle manufacturing is rapidly becoming dominant. And much as it may be a peeve to traditionalists (myself, for example), it is a reality that cannot be avoided. Further, the technology in these vehicles is often astonishing. Almost all are EVs - another sign of the times - and the spread of brands is very large, and increasing. There are many on display that I had never heard of.

The counter to this is what I regard as equally conspicuous. There’s a near complete absence of the traditional brands. No Ford, no GM (of any flavour), no Nissan, no Toyota, no Mitsubishi, no Mercedes-Benz or BMW. I had at least expected some of these brands to be here spruiking their hybrids and EVs, but if they did have a presence, they must have been extraordinarily well hidden.

Recent US policy changes in regard to electric vehicles have allowed some of the traditional brands to step away from the technology, and perhaps this was reflected by their absence. On the other side of the equation, recent spikes in oil prices have prompted a big uptick in demand for EVs in countries like Australia, providing opportunities for other companies - almost all of them Chinese-based - to fill that gap. What we saw at this year’s show again reflects this reality.

Some of the marketing minds in these newer companies may want to give some thought to branding. I think of a company like Great Wall, now “GWM”, or Build Your Dreams, more readily accepted as “BYD”. Seriously… “GAC”, “JAC” and “Zeekr”, to name but a few, just sound a bit odd, at least to me.

With that said, there was plenty of interesting technology to look at, and my son put the trade show aspect to good use, finding products and making contacts for his business.

And being a motorcycle enthusiast, there were even a few examples of classics and new tech that I found interesting. Local company Savic has developed an electric motorcycle, made in Melbourne, with ambitions to sell to the world. Now, the styling is not for me, I have to admit, but I give them a lot of credit for choosing to base their operations here. It would have been easy to outsource overseas, let’s face it.

But for all the high-tech new vehicles I saw that day - all the EVs and hybrids and so on - it was the sight of this beautifully restored Mazda Capella RX2 that caught my eye. My first car was a Capella - a ’78 model, brown in colour. While its 1.6 litre piston engine wasn’t quite as fancy as this ’75 version’s immaculate, worked 12A rotary, just seeing it there took me back to that time.

And it made me smile.

A great day out, sharing it with family and indulging a passion.

My son has a son of his own now, and a great little side hustle in the form of a car detailing business. I’m sure that passion is something he’ll pass along to the next generation and in time, they’ll continue this annual pilgrimage as well.

The memories of the cars of his youth will be held with the same reverence that I hold mine, I am sure.

Change is inevitable.

Even traditions evolve.

Standing in the foyer of a local fast food outlet is not where you’d expect to experience a sense of déjà vu - at least not when it comes to high-stakes geopolitics.

And yet, a week or two ago, that’s exactly where I found myself.

If nothing else, it somewhat confirms the old adage - the more things change, the more they stay the same.

In another time, but in the very place I now stood, a younger - and thinner - version of myself had a job here working evening shifts, at what was then a newly opened store in Rowville, east of Melbourne. At the end of each night, a group of us would gather around the manager’s small portable television, watching coverage of the first Gulf War on what was, to us, an unfamiliar network called CNN.

Thirty-six years ago, the concept of 24/7 coverage like this was quite fascinating to us.

Back in the present though, my wife and I now found ourselves standing in this store, grandson in tow, for a quick coffee break. And looking to the large flat screen TV on the wall, we found ourselves witnessing the opening coverage of the latest Western intervention in the Middle East, as US forces once again entered the theatre of armed conflict, this time over Iran.

It was almost as if the universe had placed me back at that exact spot right at that moment.

To many of us, the prospect of conflict in this region of the world is unsettling. And rightly so. But thinking back in my case, three and a half decades have passed, and it seems to me that this region is simply, and tragically, spiralling once again on a never-ending cycle.

The similarities are there this time around, and although many things appear to repeat on a decades-long loop, there are a few things that differ. In Australia, the first thing we all noticed was the spike in fuel prices. It was the same in 1990 - the values differed, but the concept was the same. Conditioned as we are these days to paying $1.70 or more for a litre of unleaded, seeing prices jump north of $2.30 was expected, but still disturbing. Back then, with my newly minted driver’s licence, I could get change from $20 when filling my ’78 Mazda Capella with petrol at the rate of 57 cents per litre. It jumped to 80 cents or more.

Going into the final decade of the 20th century, Australia was about to embark on a journey of significant economic and structural change. And despite the warnings from commentators and industry leaders alike across the ensuing decades, those who have held the reins of political power have continued guiding us down a path that has led us to wholesale losses of sovereign manufacturing capability, persistently high energy prices, and now, as we are seeing in real time, an inability to sustain a secure domestic liquid fuel supply.

Thinking paradoxically, there’s one thing we seem particularly good at not doing in this country - learning. And it’s only in times of crisis, such as we see now, that this all becomes exposed. Just a few short years ago, when the tyranny of COVID lockdowns and global supply chain disruptions quickly hit home, we decried the fact that we couldn’t even so much as manufacture our own face masks. Consumer goods, once so easily ordered from the factories of China - often replacing the domestic industries we once prided ourselves on - began to dry up. It was an outrage, cried the commentariat.

And our leaders of the day vowed to restore some of this lost industrial capacity in strategically crafted sound bites.

But did any of that much-vaunted restoration really take place once the dust settled and life returned to normal?

In 1990, a Gulf War-inspired jump in the global price of crude oil was annoying, but it didn’t leave Australia overly exposed beyond the increase in the per-litre rate. Domestic supply, though, remained plentiful. With a population of just over 17 million, eight refineries processed crude from predominantly local sources, and life went on largely as normal.

The difference in 2026, despite the multitude of warnings from industry experts and others, is stark. More than 27 million people now call Australia home. Despite the strong policy push toward electrification, liquid fuels still underpin the nation’s transport networks and supply chains. Yet today, those fuels are produced by just two ageing domestic refineries. Once largely energy independent, Australia now imports more than 80 percent of its fuel, primarily from Asia.

Worse still, onshore reserves have been allowed to dwindle to historic lows, despite international agreements requiring at least 90 days’ supply. At the beginning of this conflict, we held barely a third of that amount onshore.

And in the wash-rinse-repeat way these things always seem to go, the political class now grandstand and take potshots at each other, which is all good fodder for the daily news cycle, but does little to address the problem. A problem which cannot be solved quickly and is all of their making, no matter which side of the political fence they sit.

They are all complicit, and we are all fools if we continue to accept it.

It is often said that the best way to get through life is to focus on those things that fall within our ability to control, rather than stress about those things we cannot. As things currently stand, the war in the Middle East and the global economic tsunami it has unleashed are all things well beyond our control. What we can control now though, is our collective ability to learn.

Maybe just this once.

This new war carries familiar undertones. Certainly, the names and narratives may change - different leaders, different justifications - but the underlying drivers remain strikingly consistent.

Energy. Global supply. Strategic control.

But it will, at some point, conclude. And in a relatively short time after, things will hopefully settle, oil will once again flow through that now well-known strait, and its price will fall, just as it did back in 1991.

Australians must learn from this shock of constrained oil supply, and in ways we did not, for example, when another crop of visionless politicians oversaw the demise of domestic automobile production, along with almost of all the secondary industries that supplied it.

We must demand more than hollow words from our political class this time around, lest we find ourselves even more exposed the next time a similar crisis comes along.

To borrow a line from one of my favourite science fiction series:

All of this has happened before. And it will happen again.

Of that, there is little doubt.

For now though, as I sat there in the Rowville McDonald’s, the only thing I could control was how much I was enjoying the coffee - and the quiet joy of watching my grandson explore every square inch of the playground, blissfully unaware of the stresses and strains of a life still so far off in his future.

Come to think of it, back in 1990 you couldn’t buy a cappuccino from Macca’s.

That’s one positive change I think I’ll gladly hold onto.

I’ve heard it said recently that newsreaders should not give certain political figures a platform by including them in news coverage.

The comment came in a discussion over whether to run a particular news item that day, given the political figure it centred around was one the presenter found objectionable.

It prompted me to ask what I considered a simple, yet crucial question: Was the story newsworthy?

For a newsreader, this should always be the overarching standard. Personal views should not determine the coverage, no matter how much that challenges us.

How do we put partisanship aside so that we can make a clinical decision on whether to run a story? For those who hold strong views, that challenge can be significant. But it runs the risk of compromising that judgement call, and can lead to the temptation to censor; to cross a line between presentation and commentary.

If we as newsreaders wish to think of ourselves as engaging in the craft of journalism, then we need to be clear about where this line is drawn. In short, the distinction between journalism and activism matters more now than it ever has.

The business of news media is one that comes with a responsibility that can sometimes be lost on those who practice it. To sit behind the microphone and present the news is a privilege; one given to comparatively few.

In radio terms – particularly talk radio - roles can often be thought of as sitting under the broad banner of journalism. I see it differently.

As a decades-long consumer of this medium, and having worked within it for the past nine years, I would categorise it into three specific camps: journalism, commentary, and news presentation.

And perhaps for the sake of simplification we could merge the first two under the one heading – journalism.

However, news presentation is not journalism. Rather, it is a critical subset. It is a singularly different craft which plays a significant role in keeping the listening audience informed, without seeking to influence their point of view one way or the other.

It is a philosophy I push myself to follow any time I’m constructing a news bulletin. And like anybody else, I have my personal views one way or the other, making the challenge equally as real.

Almost everybody has a view on politics, formed on the key pillars of tradition, upbringing and personal experience. The advent and constant development of social media in particular has given consumers a means not only to soak in an opinion that suits their preferred viewpoint, but to indulge on one hand in discussions to further reinforce it, and on the other to deride those whose views are divergent. It is confirmation bias in its purest form, writ large.

One might argue that this is merely an extension of what was once nightly dinner table debate - and perhaps even a healthy thing. Yet it has also led to a heightened intolerance of opposing views.

It logically follows that this experience finds its way into newsrooms and media more generally, but herein lies the challenge for new presenters. Indeed, it highlights what is perhaps one of the most critical skills to learn in what is, after all, a craft. A craft that is distinct from that of journalism and commentary. Unemotional reportage.

These days, many media outlets sit along clearly defined partisan lines. This has only served to heighten the left/right dividing line of modern politics and has led to increasing public scepticism about media standards. As newsreaders, we sit at the beginning of a chain of information and have a real opportunity to set ourselves apart.

Excluding a person from coverage because we disagree with them risks allowing emotion to override editorial judgement. The logical extension would be that we should give a platform to the political figures and opinions we personally approve of.

Applying this methodology would have, for example, severely altered my approach to bulletins I presented throughout the covid years; a period to which I hold very strong views - none of them overly complimentary to the political figures who were controlling our lives at the time.

But to have done so would not only have been irresponsible, it would have been unprofessional. I had to continually challenge myself to assess each story on its newsworthiness, setting my own emotions aside.

Australia’s political landscape is in flux. Trust in traditional parties is waning while newer parties are finding a stronger foothold. Whether that lasts in longer term is anyone’s guess, but for now, it is incumbent upon newsreaders to understand more people wish to hear what these once fringe politicians have to say. They have no desire to hear our personal views and resent any perceived exclusion from the national conversation.

It’s this resentment which has contributed to a significant shift in news consumption habits and a rise in what was once termed “new media”. Some in the mainstream worry that this shift allows audiences to seek commentary that further reinforces their existing biases.

The most effective response, however, is not to narrow the flow of information. It is to widen it, and to keep news presentation just that - delivered without commentary, inflammatory language or censorship.

For those who wish to express their views, biases and analysis, there’s no shortage of avenues in which to do so. Blogging platforms, independent publishing and podcasting provide ample opportunity for opinion, interpretation and advocacy.

That work has its place, and is distinct from the discipline of reading a news bulletin. Just as it should be.

—

This article also appeared in Radio Today

https://radiotoday.com.au/why-newsworthiness-must-be-the-standard/

Guest: Marcus Hellyer | Host: Steve Visscher

Has Australia grown too complacent about its national defence?

In this timely episode of The Clear Signal, host Steve Visscher is joined by long-time defence analyst Marcus Hellyer from Strategic Analysis Australia to unpack the complex challenges facing the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

They discuss:

🇦🇺 Whether Australia has taken its eye off the ball on defence

🪖 Critical recruitment issues and declining ADF capability

🌏 The regional strategic landscape and China's increasing assertiveness

🚢 Australia's future submarine program and the AUKUS alliance

🇺🇸 US military support and shifting policies under Donald Trump

📘 And how Outrider, a novel by former SASR soldier Mark Wales, mirrors potential future conflicts

🎙️ Voiceover by Sarah Patterson

📅 Recorded May 2025

🔗 More from Marcus Hellyer:

🎧 The Grumpy Strategist podcast:

https://strategicanalysis.org/category/strategic-analysis-australia-podcasts

🎙️ ADM Podcast – Episode 94:

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/podcasts/adm-podcast-94-australia-s-ability-to-survive-in-a-rapidly-changing-world-with-the-grumpy-strategists

🌐 Visit https://clearsignal.com.au for full episodes, articles and exclusive interviews.

A Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

In this episode of The Clear Signal, Steve is joined by media analyst Nic Hayes from Media Stable to unpack the media strategies behind Australia’s 2025 federal election campaign.

With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the ALP cruising toward a possible win — or perhaps a hung parliament with the Greens — and Peter Dutton struggling to connect with voters, we ask: Why is this election so uninspiring?

And more importantly: Why are major parties ignoring newer media platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and independent creators?

As American politicians embrace non-legacy media, Australia’s political strategists appear stuck in the past — relying on one-liners and controlled slogans rather than authentic, long-form discussions. Is this a missed opportunity to connect with modern voters? Are the parties afraid their candidates can’t handle open dialogue?

It’s also clear that the ALP and the broader left side of politics are far more adept at harnessing modern media messaging techniques — often finding success even during periods of unpopularity. Perhaps the most striking example of this was former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who maintained a strong narrative despite the harsh COVID lockdowns imposed on the state. Now acting as a political advisor to Anthony Albanese during this campaign, Andrews’ influence appears to be paying dividends, leaving Dutton and the Liberal Party trailing in both messaging clarity and media strategy.

We dive deep into these questions and more in this critical analysis of political communication in 2025.

--

Recorded April 2025

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

#Election2025 #AustralianPolitics #PoliticalStrategy #AnthonyAlbanese #PeterDutton #MediaAnalysis #NicHayes #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #AusPol #PodcastAustralia #IndependentMedia #CommunicationStrategy #NewMedia #LegacyMedia #GreensAustralia #HungParliament #DanielAndrews

John Kiriakou - John was recruited into the CIA in the late 1980's and worked in many overseas postings in a career spanning 14 years. From Greece to Afghanistan and many other places besides, it was his role heading an operation in Pakistan to capture high ranking al-Qaeda leader Abu Zubuydah that would bring him to prominence, and would have an impact on his life which was in equal parts profound and unexpected.

In 2007, Kiriakou made the decision to publicly expose the CIA's use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" on Zubuydah, calling into question their legality. It was a decision which would eventually lead to him being imprisioned for more than two years.

Upon his release, John embarked on careers in business and journalism, and regularly appears on television, radio and podcasts analysing world events and talking about his exploits in the clandestine world.

In this edition, we discuss the recent US elections, Donald Trump's first months back in-office, and how Australia's intelligence services are regarded by their US counterparts. We look back to 9/11 and forward to the growing influence of China in the Asia Pacific region, and we touch on some of John's exploits during his long career...and beyond.

--

Links

Loud & Clear with John Kiriakou - https://johnkiriakou.substack.com/

Speaking Tour - https://tigerslanestudios.com/an-evening-with-the-ex-cia/

Julian Dorey Podcast - https://juliandoreypodcast.com/

Dalton Fischer Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@DaltonFischerPodcast/videos

Danny Jones Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbtV5L8TVB0zQ9khThGApLw

Andrew Bustamente - https://everydayspy.com/

--

Recorded March 2025

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Trevor Long - One of Australia's best known technology reporters discussing recent government attempts at regulating online and social media, digital identities and the wonders of industry trade shows. 

Find Trevor at eftm.com

--

John Cadogan - Long-time motoring journalist from autoexpert.com.au discussing the latest sales trends in the local automotive market, Chinese imports and the continued rise of electric vehicles​

--

Recorded November 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

In this thought-provoking episode of The Clear Signal, Steve Visscher is joined by two experts to explore the changing media landscape and the subtle tactics behind successful retail sales.

🗞️ Nic Hayes – Media analyst, journalist, and Managing Director of Media Stable, Nic provides a sharp analysis of the recent U.S. elections and what they reveal about the rise of "new media." Has traditional political communication taken a back seat? Nic dives deep into how modern messaging, influencer-driven content, and digital platforms are reshaping the way political narratives are delivered and received.

🛍️ Nicole O'Sullivan – Business coach and Director at Birds Eye View Consulting, Nicole shares fascinating insights into the psychology of retail. Learn how brands and sales professionals use powerful psychological cues to influence buyer behaviour, and how anyone in sales can master the art of closing with confidence and authenticity.

🎧 This episode blends media strategy and consumer psychology into one essential listen for marketers, communicators, and curious minds alike.

🔗 Catch more episodes at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Available on all major podcast platforms!

#MediaStrategy #NewMedia #USElections2024 #PoliticalCommunication #NicHayes #RetailPsychology #SalesCoaching #NicoleOSullivan #BirdsEyeViewConsulting #MarketingTips #DigitalInfluence #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #PodcastAustralia #ConsumerBehaviour #ModernMedia

--

Recorded November 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

In this fun and practical episode of The Clear Signal, Steve Visscher explores how to get the most out of your airline rewards — and how to get the most out of your dog!

✈️ Callum Rendell – Frequent flyer expert and host of the popular YouTube channel Pointy End Secrets, Callum has travelled the world using smart points strategies. He shares his top tips on stretching your airline rewards, avoiding rookie mistakes, and travelling in style — often for less than you’d expect.

🐶 Rose Grmusa – Accredited dog trainer from Melbourne Dog Trainers, Rose brings years of experience helping owners better understand their dogs. From basic obedience to building stronger bonds, Rose offers practical advice for being a more confident, consistent, and caring pet parent.

🎧 Whether you're planning your next trip or trying to stop your dog from chewing the couch — this episode is packed with actionable advice!

🔗 More great episodes at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Stream anywhere you get your podcasts!

#FrequentFlyerTips #TravelHacks #PointyEndSecrets #CallumRendell #DogTraining #PetParenting #RoseGrmusa #MelbourneDogTrainers #AirlinePoints #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #PodcastAustralia #TravelSmart #ObedienceTraining #LifeTips

--

Recorded November 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

In this insightful episode of The Clear Signal, Steve Visscher is joined by two experts in vastly different but equally fascinating fields — travel and national defence.

Irene Jones – Managing Director of Travelglobe, shares her insider knowledge on the travel industry. From her favourite destinations to how frequent flyer programs really work, Irene breaks down the secrets behind airline seat pricing and explains why using a professional travel agent can make all the difference to your next holiday. Don’t book your trip without hearing this!

Grant McHerron – Co-host of the Australian Defence Magazine Podcast, seasoned journalist, and Steve’s long-time business partner. Grant delves into the current state of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), recruitment challenges, and the incredible technology shaping the future of Australia’s military capability.

🎧 Whether you're planning your dream vacation or curious about Australia’s defence readiness, this episode delivers expert advice, thoughtful commentary, and real-world insights you won't hear anywhere else.

🔗 Find more episodes and behind-the-scenes stories at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Stream now on all major podcast platforms!

#TravelTips #TravelAgentAdvice #FrequentFlyerPoints #AviationSecrets #AustralianDefenceForce #ADFRecruitment #MilitaryTechnology #GrantMcHerron #IreneJones #Travelglobe #SteveVisscher #TheClearSignal #AustraliaPodcast #DefencePodcast #MilitaryInnovation #SmartTravel #PodcastInterview

--

Recorded November 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Cybersecurity Tips & Giant Food Challenges with Clyde Netto & Katina DeJarnett

In this episode of The Clear Signal, host Steve Visscher welcomes two exciting guests from completely different worlds—cybersecurity and competitive eating!

🔐 Clyde Netto, Chief Technology Officer at Grace Technology Solutions, shares practical tips on how to protect your computer from malware, ransomware, and hackers. Whether you’re a casual user or a small business owner, Clyde offers clear and effective cybersecurity strategies to stay safe in today’s digital world.

🍔 Then we switch gears for some delicious fun with Katina DeJarnett, creator and host of the wildly popular YouTube channel Katina Eats Kilos. Katina travels the world taking on insane food challenges, eating massive meals with a smile and plenty of style. She opens up about her journey into this niche, life on the road, and what it’s really like behind the scenes of her viral videos.

🎧 Listen now at: https://cleaarsignal.com.au

--

Recorded October 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of The Clear Signal, we explore two very different yet deeply inspiring topics — the future of food and the fearless women of aviation.

🥫 Kim Berry – Managing Editor of Food & Drink Business Magazine, Kim breaks down the complexities of Australia’s food systems. From supply chain challenges affecting producers to the massive environmental and economic costs of food waste, she offers critical insight into how we can all make better choices for a more sustainable future.

✈️ Kathy Mexted – Acclaimed journalist, photographer, and author of Take Flight: Incredible Stories of Australian Women Who Reach For The Sky (Buy here). Kathy shares some of the remarkable tales from her latest book and dives into her process for writing real-life stories that inspire, empower, and take readers to new heights.

🎧 It’s a fascinating conversation that spans grounded realities and sky-high dreams — with lessons for us all.

🔗 Explore more episodes at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Listen wherever you get your favourite podcasts!

#FoodSystems #SustainableFood #FoodWasteSolutions #KimBerry #KathyMexted #TakeFlight #WomenInAviation #AussieAuthors #PodcastAustralia #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #AviationHistory #WomenWhoInspire #FoodSupplyChain #Storytelling

--

Recorded October 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

In this uplifting and informative episode of The Clear Signal, we explore the power of nutrition and the life-changing impact of disability support done right.

🥦 Kathleen Everingham – Naturopath, nutritionist, and host of Healthy & Fresh (healthyandfresh.com.au), Kathleen shares practical advice on making healthier food choices, using supplements wisely, and managing common digestive issues. Plus, can she finally convince Steve to give Brussels sprouts another chance? Tune in to find out!

💙 Cindy Warren – Founder of Umbrella Support, Cindy brings warmth and passion to her work with people living with disabilities. She shares powerful stories of helping clients gain confidence, independence, and real-world experience through partnerships with local businesses in hospitality, media, and beyond.

🎧 This episode is a blend of nutritional know-how and human kindness — a feel-good listen packed with real-world takeaways.

🔗 Find more inspiring episodes at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Now streaming on all major podcast platforms!

#GutHealth #NutritionTips #DigestiveWellness #KathleenEveringham #HealthyAndFresh #DisabilitySupport #CindyWarren #UmbrellaSupport #InclusiveEmployment #PodcastAustralia #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #HealthyLiving #EmpowermentThroughSupport #Naturopathy

--

Recorded September 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

In this episode of The Clear Signal, Steve Visscher sits down with two influential figures from very different fields — one shaping the future of your grocery aisle, and the other shaping voices behind the mic.

🛒 Tanya Barden – Former CEO of the Australian Food & Grocery Council, Tanya unpacks the complex landscape of Australia’s food and beverage industry. From supply chain disruptions to the rising cost of living and the technologies revolutionising what ends up on supermarket shelves, Tanya explains the challenges and opportunities shaping what we eat and how we shop.

🎙️ Gary Mac – A true legend of Australian radio, Gary’s decades-long career includes working alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment. As founder of the Melbourne School of Radio, he’s mentored countless aspiring broadcasters and voice artists. Gary shares behind-the-scenes stories, industry wisdom, and the magic of old-school radio with a modern twist.

🎧 This episode combines business insight and broadcasting nostalgia — an engaging listen for foodies, media lovers, and curious minds alike.

🔗 Explore more interviews at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Available now on all major podcast platforms!

#FoodIndustryAustralia #SupermarketTech #TanyaBarden #AFGC #RadioLegends #GaryMac #MelbourneSchoolOfRadio #VoiceOverIndustry #AustralianPodcast #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #MediaMentors #FoodTech #GroceryTrends #PodcastAustralia

--

Recorded September 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

In this electrifying episode of The Clear Signal, we dive into the future of Australia’s energy system and the fascinating science behind the ads we love (or love to hate).

⚡ Dr. Adi Paterson – Former CEO of ANSTO and one of Australia’s leading voices on nuclear energy, Dr. Paterson offers a clear-eyed look at the challenges facing Australia’s power grid. He explains the role nuclear power could play in creating a reliable, low-emission energy future — and what needs to change to make that happen.

📺 Daz Smith – A seasoned advertising creative with decades in radio and TV, Daz pulls back the curtain on how great ads are made. From psychological triggers to production techniques, and his latest venture into streaming radio with The Buzzz, Daz shares sharp insights on how media continues to evolve.

🎧 This episode blends energy innovation with creative communication — two powerful forces shaping Australia’s future.

🔗 Catch more episodes at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Subscribe and stream on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.

#NuclearEnergyAustralia #CleanEnergyFuture #ANSTO #DrAdiPaterson #MediaPsychology #AdvertisingTips #TheBuzzzRadio #StreamingRadio #RadioAds #TVCommercials #DazSmith #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #AustralianPodcast #EnergyDebate #PodcastYouTube

--

Recorded September 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

In this deeply reflective audio-only edition of The Clear Signal, Steve Visscher speaks with two guests who’ve dedicated their lives to service — one through emergency response and leadership, the other through advocacy for rider safety on Australian roads.

🚓 Jim Read AFSM – Former Captain in Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and long-serving member of Victoria Police, Jim shares insights from over 55 years of volunteer firefighting and 40 years in law enforcement. From frontline duties to leadership roles, Jim discusses the vital role of community service, the evolution of emergency response, and the enduring value of volunteerism.

🏍️ Damien Codognotto – Spokesperson for the Motorcycle Riders Association, Damien talks about the organisation’s role in promoting rider safety, reducing accident rates, and lobbying for the rights and wellbeing of motorcycle riders across Australia.

🎙️ This episode offers powerful stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical advocacy — all from voices that live what they speak.

🔗 Listen now at clearsignal.com.au

📲 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more.

#VolunteerFirefighter #JimReadAFSM #VictorianPolice #EmergencyServices #Leadership #DamienCodognotto #MotorcycleSafety #MRAA #RoadSafetyAustralia #TheClearSignal #SteveVisscher #AudioOnlyPodcast #CommunityService #PodcastAustralia #RiderAdvocacy

--

Recorded September 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Roger Jaensch MP - Member for the Tasmanian state seat of Braddon discussing his career path, the decision to enter politics, and reminiscing over shared experiences with Steve in their younger days

Terry Daniel - Life-long radio presenter and owner of Australian Independent Radio News, looking back on his career, his family-wide involvement in radio, and the fun he had learning to fly while being a traffic reporter

--

Recorded May 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Rob Sutton - Managing Director of Mirragin RAS Consulting, a leader in remote autonomous systems & drones, discussing the advances in this technology and how it is transforming the defence industry.

Bas Scheffers - Director and co-founder of OzRunways, discussing entrepreneurship and his journey taking a small tech start-up in the aviation industry through to being acquired by a large, multinational company. 

--

Recorded July 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Ryan Campbell - World record holder as the youngest person to fly solo around the world, Ryan had to world at his feet before tragedy struck, setting him on an inspiring journey of healing, resilience and a determination to help others through public speaking. Find Ryan at ryancampbell.co

Nadia Peiris - RSPCA Victoria's Manager of Animal Care, discussing the issues of pet adoption, the joy of fostering animals and offering advice on caring for your pets when challenges arise.​

--

Recorded August 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au

Andrew Bogut – Olympian and former NBA basketballer, discussing life in the world’s biggest basketball league, and his post-retirement motivation to publicly pursue social issues.

Rob Mark – Chicago based aviation journalist, discussing the ongoing quality control issues at Boeing​

--

Recorded February 2024

--

Presented by Steve Visscher

Voiceovers by Sarah Patterson & Terry Daniel

The Clear Signal is a Southern Skies Media Production

© 2025

clearsignal.com.au