Episodes
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In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with acclaimed Australian actor, playwright and screenwriter Kate Mulvany to talk about the craft of storytelling, the challenges of living and working with chronic pain, and what it means to reimagine Shakespeare through the lens of disability — all the way to sharing the screen with Al Pacino.
Topics discussed:
Tim Minchin sleepign on her couchWorkign with superstars Baz Luhrman, Robbie WIlliams and Al PacinoEmbodying Richard III and reframing disability as strengthWhat makes a great performanceWhat it truly means to be a storyteller - telling her truth around agent orange, cancer and accoutnabilityLiving and wokring with chronic pain Advocacy for disability representation in the artsFollow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Kate Mulvanyhttps://www.instagram.com/katemulvany/
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Kate role.
KateMulvany #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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On this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer welcomes Marina Prior—the first lady of Australian musical theatre, whose voice and artistry have defined a generation of stage and concert performance.
From her star-making turn in The Phantom of the Opera to a remarkable career spanning the country’s biggest productions, Marina reflects on the natural arc of her journey—moving from ingénue roles sung with youthful clarity to embracing the depth and texture of complex character parts as her career matured.
It’s a conversation about artistry, adaptation, and the enduring magic of storytelling through song.
Topics Discussed:
Discovering music and performance as a young girl in MelbourneBreaking through with The Phantom of the Opera and other landmark rolesThe transition from ingénue to character rolesThe discipline and daily rituals behind maintaining a world-class instrumentHow motherhood and family shaped her artistry and perspectiveWhy live theatre remains her truest creative homeFollow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Marina PriorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_marina_prior
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with actor, filmmaker, and passionate change agent Damon Gameau, whose journey from beloved screen star to globally recognised impact storyteller is nothing short of remarkable.
From the runaway success of That Sugar Film to the world-building optimism of 2040, Damon shares his insights into the craft of storytelling with purpose—and what it means to be an artist who refuses to stay in their lane.
It’s a conversation about courage, creativity, and the belief that stories can quite literally change the world.
Topics Discussed:
From the hills iof Adelaide to a boat ride with Sophia LorenWhat sparked Damon’s pivot from acting to impact filmmakingHow storytelling can reframe complex global challengesThe emotional intelligence behind his approach to documentary The risks and rewards of telling stories that challenge the status quoWhy hope is a strategy—and how to keep it aliveLinks mentioned in this episode:
https://futurecouncil.global/Follow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Damon GameauInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damon.gameau/
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Damon film or doco.
DamonGameau #FutureCouncil #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with acclaimed Australian actor, author and 'Toast' artist (yes vegemite and toast...) Heather Mitchell to talk about strength, stagecraft, and stepping into the shoes of one of history’s most formidable women.
Topics discussed:1.Building a career in Australian film, TV, and theatre
Longevity, leadership, and lifting others as you goMaking space for joy, grief, and everything in betweenFollow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Heatherinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyheathermitchell
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Heather Mitchell role.
heathermitchell #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with the trailblazing singer, actor, and cultural icon Christine Anu to talk about the power of representation, the responsibility of platform, and the joy of telling stories through music, stage, and screen.
Christine reflects on a lifetime of breaking ground as a proud Torres Strait Islander woman in the Australian arts industry, the personal meaning behind her most iconic performances, and how she continues to evolve as an artist, activist, and mother. It’s heart, heritage, and a little bit harmony.
Topics discussed:
The legacy of My Island Home and singing for a nationJuggling fame, family, and cultural responsibilityThe power of music to drive change and connect communityFollow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Christine AnuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuchristine/
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Chrsitnie Anu role.
ChristineAnu #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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I popped into ABC to spill the tea with Mary Gearin about McLaren Versus — turns out I talk as much as my guests!
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with the multi-hyphenate performer, composer, and writer to talk about what drives his creativity, the challenges of making work that divides opinion, and the thrill (and chaos) of taking on Broadway with Beetlejuice and King Kong.
Eddie reflects on the highs and heartbreaks of showbiz, the importance of holding your nerve as an artist, and how he balances family life, personal growth, and staying creatively fed. It’s a little bit rock and roll.
Topics discussed:1.The bold leap from Aussie TV to Broadway musicals
What it really takes to build a life in the artsWriting Beetlejuice: pressure, praise, and persistenceFollow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Eddie PerfectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundperfect/
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Eddie Perfect role.
EddiePerfect #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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McLaren Versus is your ‘Access All Areas’ pass to meet the people behind the stories through candid conversations with household names that reveal life lessons, triumphs, and challenges, showcasing the humanity behind public personas. It’s a new Australian podcast that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the stories that define a life well-lived.
Follow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
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In this special bonus drop, Spencer takes a moment to reflect on one of the most revealing questions from McLaren Versus: "Do you have any mistakes you regret?"
Across the season, guests have offered personal and surprising answers but with a consistent theme. Now, Spencer shares his own perspective—on regret, growth, and why our mistakes might be the most valuable part of the journey.
Short, sweet, and honest—this 6-minute episode is a quiet pause in the noise.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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From Perth to Primetime, Murray Bartlett has carved a career defined by quiet intensity, emotional depth, and unflinching honesty. In this deeply engaging conversation, Spencer sits down with the Emmy-winning actor behind The White Lotus, Looking, and The Last of Us to unpack the journey behind the performances.
Murray shares the realities of life as a working actor before the big break, how he navigated identity in the public eye, and what it means to find success—and peace—later in life. It’s a conversation about craft, queerness, and carving your own path in an industry that often resists change.
In this episode:
From Sydney to New York—Murray’s long road to recognitionBehind The White Lotus and the role that changed everythingQueer storytelling and why it still mattersHow home keeps him balancedLinks & Mentions:
Follow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Murray BartlettInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/murray.bartlett/
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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In this heartfelt episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with the unforgettable Pia Miranda—an actress who became a national treasure after portraying Josie in the landmark Australian film Looking for Alibrandi.
Now, decades on, Pia reflects on the career-defining role that launched her, the challenges of navigating fame at a young age, and how she’s embraced reinvention through motherhood, reality TV (yes, she won Survivor), and continued creative growth.
Spencer and Pia talk about identity, resilience, and the deeply personal moments that have shaped her as both an artist and a woman.
In this episode:
The enduring impact of Looking for AlibrandiWhat fame felt like as a young woman in the spotlightGet thee to a nunnery... or not!Surviving SURVIVORUnemployment and creative reinvention in the artsLinks & Mentions:
Follow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Pia MirandaInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/_piamiranda/
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories from real Aussie talent, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Piua Miranda role
EddiePerfect #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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This week, from humble beginnings to national stardom, Shane Jacobson talks with Spencer McLaren about the roles that shaped him, the mentors who guided him, and why staying grounded is his greatest success.
Topics discussed:
Busiest Man in ShowbizKenny and the heart of comedyCrafting Edna (Hairspray)The family legacy The advise from Hoges and Bryan Brown he still lives byFollow Usinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversusfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus
Follow Shane JacobsonInstagram: https://instagram.com/theshanejacobsonWebsite: https://shanejacobson.com.au
Like, Comment & SubscribeIf you love real stories from real Aussie legends, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Shane Jacobson role.
ShaneJacobson #McLarenVersus #SpencerMcLarenThis podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
