IRL WITH MIKE GOLDMAN
He's the product of a bikini competition in Perth and was born in Queensland! He runs at 1000 miles an minute and he's ALWAYS up to something. The hysterically effervescent Mike Goldman has had many interesting jobs along the way, including his first as the Salad Nazi at Sizzler and a small part pestering Nicole Kidman in BMX Bandits and then a stint on Home & Away back in the early days as a class clown….then Mikey moved to the country to eat a lot of peaches work on radio and scored his first real gig doing the dusk till dawn slot after "the high tech computer equipment for the night shift broke down" back in the 90's. Then it was on to 2 Day FM & Triple M for nights before his next big project with Big Brother and Friday Night Live…Mikey's getting married to the gorgeous Tan Arlidge next October and has a couple of T.V. irons in the fire as well. He also hosts the morning show on Gorilla where I get to chit chat about celebrity gossip with him every day! www.gorillasuperdigi.com So I thought it would be interesting to see what makes my new BFF Mikey Goldman tick!
Who inspires you?
Anyone who is chasing their dreams and goals. I'm a big fan of people in my industry who love to entertain and make people laugh like the lovely Bianca Dye.
Who would be your dream dinner party guest?
Mat Moran or Jesus or both. Matt could cook all the bread and fish that Jesus could pull out of thin air.
Who would you call if you were arrested?
My mummy. I have before.
The best compliment you've ever received?
Good head mate! Or WINNING a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award.
I'm secretly very good at?
Eating Blue Cheese. Making Websites. www.onthemike.com
My most treasured possession is…?
My G Shock watch.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A stuntman.
Who is the most interesting person you've ever met and did they live up to your expectations?
I once met, Steve Wozniac, the founder of Apple Computers. He was a top bloke who was so open and interesting to talk to. He even gave me his watch!
When I have spare time I……?
Play guitar, surf, swim, cook, write and play with my girlfriend.
And, who would you turn gay for?
A clone of myself. We could look after ourselves and it wouldn't really be gay. Just a high tech way of masturbating.
IRL WITH BIANCA DYE
Ever wondered what makes the vivacious Ms Dye tick?? Once upon a time, in a land far far away called….Melbourne, the lovely Bianca Dye was born! Bianca’s of course been on the radio since 93 and she’s one of the founding members of the first Nova back in 2001 in Sydney. Of course she’s now in demand as an MC and, she’s pretty much popping up everywhere including 20 to 1, Thank God You’re Here, and she’s now having the time of her life doing the breakfast show at i98 in Wollongong with Marty Haynes where I get to gossip with her and Marty every morning! You can stream it on www.i98.com.au
What was your first job?
I was the clown host at kid’s parties up in Queensland, 5 hours for $50!
Describe a perfect Sunday morning?
Sleep in – with my love, BIG breakfast with ocean views, papers, lying in the sun…..a movie.
If you could be in someone else’s shoes for a day, whose would they be?
Hopefully someone with the same sized shoe! I need to do a lot more of that…(stepping into other people’s shoes) to learn to see life from other people’s perspective…) but p.s. wouldn’t mind Oprah’s shoes for a day!
What’s something you’ve vowed never to do again?
Send any stupid messages without thinking first ESPECIALLY after a few chardys!
The strangest beauty remedy you’ve tried?
Injecting botox into my face – but gee it makes me look happy!
What’s your secret indulgence?
Mexican with margaritas
Who was your first crush?
Elvis Presley! My dad used to listen to him a lot. Then there was that math’s teacher……
What are you listening to at the moment?
Whatever my boyfriend plays on his ipod – especially love track 2 on the new Wheezer album….Lisa Mitchell, Powder Finger & Fleetwood Mac.
A defining moment in my life was….?
There’s probably been 3 – when I was asked to join NOVA back in 2000. Finally accepting that I have a generalised anxiety discorder (GAD) and starting at i98 in Wollongong this year!
If you could get into a time machine & travel through time, where & when would you go to?
Back in time to meet my grandfather who I never had a chance to meet. He was a Doctor and an amazingly brave man during WWII…..
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Anita Roddick, human rights activist and environmental campaigner, best known as the founder of The Body Shop, who died back in 2007! She was an incredible woman – amazing! If I can live my life like she lived hers, I’d be a proud person. Also Ben Lee not your average bear and Mary Haynes I’m discovering more and more about how smart his is!! Hahahah!
Which standout celeb have you met and did they meet your expectations?
Madonna in Tokyo during her Confessions tour – I was one of only 3 journos from Australia who got to meet with her and she was amazing, very small, but very strong and in control. Alas I forgot to turn my mic on, so you can hear what she said from the interview, but not me! Drama!!! OMG can’t believe that happened. But definitely lived up to my expectations!
IRL WITH TROY THOMPSON
My Gorilla Digital radio buddy on Tuesdays & Thursdays, Troy agrees with me that the 'mullet' was the biggest hairstyle crime against not just fashion, but humanity, so that's why we love him. Every time he sees a mullet he aches to correct the injustice! I'm much the same with rat's tails….would love to just carry a pair of scissors with me and run up behind them, Jackass style, and SNIP!
After training with acclaimed French Hairdresser Thierry Freignier from 1989 to 1991 and serving as one of Joh Bailey's best assets at his flagship Double Bay Salon, Troy has directed his own salon in Sydney's Rose Bay since 2001. When Troy found out his best friend had lung and bone cancer, Troy chose to not lock himself away while dealing with his sadness and grief, but rather rallied the support of his peers and did something positive which not only transformed is own life but also the life of others. Troy Thompson; one of the amazing transformers who work their magic on 10 Years Younger in Ten Days and consummate hairdresser to the stars chose to gather together Sydney's best hair stylists and give back in a practical and beautiful way to women across Australia through an alignment with the Look Good Feel Better Community Initiative (started by the Australian cosmetic industry in 1990 - it teaches female cancer patients, through hands on experience, techniques to help restore their appearance and improve their self image during chemotherapy and radiation treatment). Troy created The Great Cut Off, and the first event was held on Monday 28th September 2009, for four hours, Troy and his team gave free hair cuts to the women of Sydney, and donated all of the cut hair to a wig manufacturers specifically alignment with Look Good Feel Better! So first up I want to know how The Great Cut Off went and Troy has said that it was a huge success and he's planning more throughout next year!
Can people donate their locks after a big chop any time.....?
Of course they can! All donations are welcome and we can have them organised to be sent off to such a great cause! Anything that is 30cm or over in length is ideal as it takes 3 pony tails of that length to make ONE wig! Doesn't matter if your hair is coloured or not.
What's on your bucket list.....?
I'd like to be able to have 2 years off and follow the ski season around the world, so I'm continually skiing!! Or..do a 5 star journey through South Africa for a year experiencing what South Africa has to offer! It's a little cliché I know, but I would like to do a city slicker version of "Cattle Drives in Montana!" go figure!
What is your secret indulgence.....?
Well it's not a secret if I tell you, but I will tell you something's that's not so secretive, I have two massages a week and a facial once a fortnight!!
Who is the most interesting person you've ever met.....?
Fabulously interesting Valentino in the Ski Slopes in Aspen earlier this year at Aspen Fashion Week. Even though we didn't talk about world politics, in my eyes no matter what this amazing man says is fabulous and interesting!
What has been your biggest splurge.....?
Apart from purchasing a property or a car which I don't see a splurge, I would have to say it would be my $900 Gucci Slippers, and every time I slip them on I do feel special!
The worst job I've done was.....?
Working in a salami factory when I was 16, I might know how to make the best chorizo but trust me long gone in the day I can skin a pig in two mins
What is more important, talent or drive.....?
Talent or Drive?? From my perspective it would be a close call but there is a big difference between the two! I would choose "drive" as more important. Talent is a gift that people have, yet so much talent goes to waste. Drive on the other hand is working towards what you want in life, and if you have to the drive to want to do something, anything is possible! And if you have drive you have talent.
If you could get into a time machine & travel through time, where & when would you go to.....?
The 1920's! The great Gatsby !
What are you listening to at the moment.....?
I challenge any one that doesn't like the new guy Sebastian song! "Like it like That"
Who would you call if you were arrested.....?
My lawyer as I have him on speed dial, as well as my car service so I can make a quick getaway.
Do you have any pets & what are their names.....?
Coming from a farm, I have had enough animals as a kid to last me a life time so there for, no, I don't have any pets!
IRL WITH MAHALIA BARNES
Mahalia Barnes started performing back in 1991 with siblings Eliza-Jane, Jackie and Elly-May in the group Tin Lids, and is a respected Australian Soul & Blues singer who regularly performs live gigs around Australia's Jazz & Blues scene, as well as backs other artists including Jade MacRae, oh, and her father, Jimmy Barnes (they recorded a duet, Gonna Take Some Time, which was the second single on his album Double Happiness), Gary Pinto, and Diesel (who is her uncle). Mahalia released her own album Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates Volume 1 back in June 2008. Mahalia also recently had her gorgeous new daughter Ruby Jane. Mahalia is not just Jimmy Barnes' daughter. She's worked really hard to etch her own style, so completely different from his and is quick to point out it's been no free ticket. Here's Mahalia totally rocking one of my favourite songs, with her dad. (YOU TUBE: Jimmy Barnes - Proud Mary - Live)
What's next for Mahalia Barnes (besides enjoying your newly expanded family) and when can we expect Volume 2?
Well, I am thoroughly enjoying just hanging out at home and doing stuff with Ben and Ruby, but I am ready to start doing some shows again! I don't think I've had this long off from shows since I started. I'm easing back into it with a few shows here and there including a Xmas show at the opera house and some BV gigs (doing Daniel Merriweather shows in a few weeks).The band and I have been discussing songs and trying to get our schedules together so we can get into the studio before the end of the year hopefully! So we're looking at a new album some time in the new year.
While you always get's asked about being Jimmy's daughter, we want to know, what it's like being Johnny Diesel's niece, because nothing personal but he was definitely hotter back in the day & well I loved his music????
Well, like I say when I'm asked about Dad…it's all I know. I don't think of him as Diesel, just as Uncle Mark. But he is an incredible artist and performer. I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to watch and work with him over the years. It was really special that he was involved in the Soulmates first record…I mean he's such an amazing guitarist, so it was great to have him thereto play all the guitars.
If I wasn't making my own way in music, I'd be….?
Cooking. Eating. Travelling…well, that's what I'd like to be doing! I love food, and cooking. I'm pretty good if I do say so myself! My whole family is really into food. But I also used to love the idea of being a lawyer, so maybe I'd go back to school and do a law degree?
What are you listening to at the moment?
I always listen to soul stuff. I find it hard to get into most current music, I mean there's bits and pieces I like, but not like Aretha, or Stevie Wonder or Al Green or Donny Hathaway, or Otis Redding, or Ray Charles, or Wilson Pickett, or Betty Davis, or Ike and Tina Turner, or Ann Peebles….I also listen to a fair bit of rock stuff, again not so much contemporary. Pretty much everything mentioned above, to the Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Little Feat, The Band, The Beatles, Prince, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Mavis Staples…I love so much music and listen to it a lot!
Besides the obvious, who did you idolise growing up?
Well I was obsessed with Prince, but don't know if I idolised him. Probably other than members of my family, I'd say Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner the most.
Would you want the success/fame/attention of Beyonce or Michael Jackson?
I don't know really, I would love for that many people to love my music, but there is a lot of sacrifice when it comes to personal life and privacy that would be very hard to deal with, especially in America. Of course every artists dreams of selling that many records and selling out that many shows and being able to sustain a music career forever! I am happy as long as I can keep singing and playing to new people, making new albums and have a comfortable life with my family.
What's your favourite Karaoke song?
I don't really do karaoke. The few times I have, I have probably done Tina Turner songs. I think Karaoke versions of songs are not made for actual singers…there's something about the keys and backing tracks that make them really awkward for singers. Every singer I know struggles with Karaoke.
Who would be your dream dinner party guest?
That's tough. I'd love to have a dinner party with all my favourite artists… maybe Tina Turner. I think she'd be friendly, and have so many great stories to tell, plus I think she'd like my cooking.
Now that you're a mum, what do you believe are the essential ingredients to a happy life?
Ruby and Ben. Good food, music, great friends and family, love, passion and honesty.
What's your worst habit?
I'm very bossy…I get things done very efficiently, but I probably annoy all the people around me by being bossy I think. My mum says I talk too much too.
Who have you met you left YOU star struck and did they live up to your expectations?
Aretha Franklin! Ben and I went to the states recently and flew to Dallas so we could see her concert. We booked a random hotel online cause it looked good, it was about 30 minutes away from the venue though. After and amazing show (we were in the 2nd row in the centre) we went back to the hotel and were sitting having a drink in the bar downstairs when her and her band all walked in. They were also staying there! What are the chances? I went up to her and said a quick hello and told her we were soul musicians from Australia and thanked her for the show and for being such an inspiration. Amazing!
IRL WITH CYAN REIGN
Brisbane girl, Cyan Reign had a dream about creating fabulous pieces of clothing so she studied Fashion Design at TAFE, and with no help from anyone, worked her way through the trenches, before opening her own high end boutique called Thread n Bone in Brisbane. You could say it's your one stop shop for both established and up and coming edgy designers, a couture studio and access to a range of Make Up Artists, Fashion/Personal Stylists, Hair Stylists and Photographers! For Cyan it's not just about the fame & fortune of Fashion, it's her beloved art. It's what defines her. So far she's won awards for:
2008 - 2Threads Best Womens Wear FINALIST
2008 - NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards FINALIST
2008 - Australian Wool Awards FINALIST
2007 - Jeans for Genes NATIONAL WINNER
2007 - Ssideline Fashion Wars FINALIST
And she's recently been nominated for Australian Fashion Designer of the Year up against some really BIG names in fashion like Alex Perry, Sass & Bide, Wayne Cooper & Peter Morrissey!
I sat down with Cyan for a little chit chat on what makes her tick and what it's like to be getting all of this new attention!
First fashion item you ever bought yourself?
I think it was a turquoise and purple vintage 60's top from a thrift store...well before it was acceptable to shop at places like that! It was very hippie and I loved it. My friends all thought I was nuts for my fashion choices and it seemed to be a recurring theme for many years to come! Most of my most loved fashion pieces came from my Mother and Grandmother's old clothes that they had kept from the 20's through to the 70's though.
Who inspires you?
Anyone with inner strength who has the guts to keep going even when it seems like there's no point. I have a bit of a soft spot for the underdog. I think that's why I chose Amelia Earheart as the inspiration for one of my designs a while ago.
Creatively though, I am inspired by architects like Antonia Gaudi and artists like Gustav Klimt amoung many others.
What is more important, talent or drive?
I think you've got to have talent to begin with but you'll get no where without drive.
What is the one piece of advice you would offer others wanting to get into the business?
If you love what you do then never give up, never stop and never become complacent. Never pass on an opportunity just because you are tired or it doesn't fit into your social life because whatever you aren't prepared to do, someone else will in a second. There's no rest for the wicked! This industry is rarely glamorous despite what people think!
The strangest beauty remedy you've tried?
Umm...it usually revolves around doing something strange to my hair. I tried to dye my hair with condy's crystals (Potassium permanganate) once and ended up melting off a good chunk of it! lol
What has been your biggest splurge?
Manolo Blahnik's?! Actually, I rarely splurge on fashion unless it's vintage because I figure I can make most of it myself. I save my spending spree's for when I order fabric and trims. Surrounding myself in large amounts of fabric feels just as good as a huge shopping spree. I think I have a bit of a fetish for it. :)
If I wasn't a FABULOUS FASHION DESIGNER, I would be…..?
I'd like to think I'd still be doing something creative like styling or creating some sort of art or a musician if I could actually sing but if it had to be something else entirely then it would probably be something in the medical profession...like a pathologist
The worst job I've done was….?
Work in fast food! Ick! There's nothing worse than coming home looking and smelling greasy! I also washed dogs for a day too. I love animals but it wasn't my sort of job at all!
The best compliment you've ever received?
Someone once told me that if I was given 10mins with a paper bag I'd be able to style it into a great outfit! I thought that was kinda cool!
(photo credit Hottpixels)
IRL WITH TARA MOSS
Love women who have a dream and make their own destiny. Tara Moss is an amazing woman! You'll see why when as you read on. She was born in Canada but she's also lived extensively in Australia and so we'll definitely claim her as one of our own. Tara began her writing career at school, penning scary stories for her classmates, before a successful stint as an International model, after being 'spotted'. She released her first book Fetish in 1999, followed by Split in 2002, Covet in 2004, Hit in 2006 and Siren last month (September 2009). Her novels have been published in 17 countries and in eleven languages! This of course makes her one of Australia's most successful female authors in any genre! Love the character Mak(Makedde Vanderwall) and the fact that she's a strong independent woman - much like Tara, and love that Tara is hands-on in her research. She's toured the FBI headquarters, has a license in Private Investigation, has undergone lie detector tests, flown in Roulettes doing 4.2 g's over the Sydney Opera House, has her CAMS racing driver license, oh and rides her own 900cc Triumph Scrambler motorcycle! Tara is currently working on her sixth novel.
So, given all she's accomplished, my first question, when I sat down with the soon to be married Tara Moss for a little chit chat to find out what makes her tick - had to be:
What could possibly be left on your "bucket list"??? Given that most of the things you've already done would be mine!
I have so many items on my bucket list, Pandora. I am not even 1% there. I have books I want to write. I want a family. I dream of one day earning my pilot license, flying around the globe in a light aircraft and writing about it. I dream of mastering new languages and earning degrees. I long to experience what it is like to be a true adventuress. I want to ride my motorcycle across the country when I am 75. And more still...
Who inspires you?
My mother, Janni. She raised two loving, independent daughters, and battled cancer. She taught me about creativity and strength.
On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?
I think Seneca, the Roman philosopher, had it right - "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
I believe there to be something deceptive, unrealistic and dangerously passive about the concept of 'luck'. I have never met a truly successful person who hasn't experienced terrifying obstacles, and what would be considered 'bad luck'. Hardship and pain can be fortunate in the ways it forces us to grow, evolve, reconsider and strengthen ourselves. Something that seems like good luck at the time, can end up being bad luck and vice versa. The idea of luck loses meaning in real life. Thus, I give luck a 0 out of 10.
Do you think there are draw-backs to being a successful, strong, independent woman?
No. I encourage it wholeheartedly. And there are certainly no points for being an unsuccessful (in whatever terms you personally measure success), weak and dependent woman or man.
What's something you've vowed never to do again?I have vowed to never again act against instinct - regardless of external pressures.
While we're all reading Siren, what are you reading at the moment?I am reading Hollywood Ending by Melbourne writer Kathy Charles, and Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre. Death and existentialism make cosy bedtime reading (and perhaps cosy bedfellows?)
The best compliment you've ever received?
Being told 'I love you' and knowing he meant it.
What has been your biggest splurge?Books, books, and more books. I am always buying books. I buy them faster than I can read them. I also recently started collecting Victoriana. I have countless corsets, and a fetish for Civil War uniforms and period attire. Yes, I am odd.
Three items I can't live without are?
It depends on what you deem to be 'items'? I can't live without my lover, my friends, my pythons. I can't live without books.
What's your favourite Karaoke song?
Your question presupposes that I listen can listen to Karaoke without covering my ears and suffering violent fits. Sadly, I am allergic. Karaoke repels me almost as much as musicals. (Tim Burton musicals excepted)
What do you do to stay healthy & in shape?
I eat well, treat myself as well as I can, and revel in life. I walk, stretch, think, read, make love.
When I have spare time I……?Live. Love. Read. Touch. No time is truly spare.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCAS ALLEN)