One of Australia’s most popular podcasts, The Imperfects, is back for Season 7, with new episodes dropping from 10 February via its new home, LiSTNR.

Season 7 of The Imperfects will kick off with legendary Australian surfer, Mick Fanning, sitting down to chat vulnerably about mental health, loss, grief, connection and resilience with hosts Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton and Josh van Cuylenburg.

Fanning has experienced soaring highs and crushing lows both in his time as a professional surfer and in his life away from the public eye. He has lost all three of his brothers in separate tragic incidents, and in 2015 was catapulted to global attention when he had an encounter with a great white shark while competing in a surfing competition in South Africa. While the incident cemented Fanning as ‘legendary’ in many people’s minds, he admits on the podcast the heaviness he felt in its aftermath and the ongoing struggles he had to confront as a result. His episode of The Imperfects explores how he’s managed to keep moving forward in his life, despite the many and varied challenges he’s faced.

The Imperfects has become one of Australia’s most popular and thought-provoking podcasts which has tackled everything from living with ADHD, post-natal depression, menopause and dementia. As well as modelling how men can have imperfect conversations about big topics, such as toxic masculinity and men’s violence.

Each episode sees guests open up about their vulnerabilities, imperfections and struggles, as well as sharing any wisdom they have learned along the way. Previous guests include Grace Tame, Zan Rowe, Hamish Blake, Billy Slater and Urzila Carlson.

Podcast Co-Host, Hugh van Cuylenburg, said: “The podcast is now in its seventh season, and in that time I hope we’ve become more professional – not less imperfect, but more professional. When we did our first-ever episode with Missy Higgins, I asked everyone to sit outside the room so no one could hear, I was that self conscious. Now I allow other people to be in the room. Talk about growth!”

Podcast Co-Host, Josh van Cuylenburg, said: “To me the podcast is a place for vulnerable, funny, curious conversations with incredible people. A place where the guests, us, and the listeners are connected by our common flaws and imperfections and we cannot wait to continue this journey with LiSTNR.”

Co-Host, Ryan Shelton, added: “Ironically, we think LiSTNR is going to help us become less imperfect – but don’t worry, even with their incredible team supporting us, we will do everything in our power to keep the imperfection flourishing.”

Executive Producer and Creative Partner, Bridget Northeast, said: “As the fourth ‘imperfect’ wheel of this podcast, and the person who drives the show behind the scenes, joining LiSTNR feels like rocking up to the Ferrari pit crew in a Holden Barina and the four of us are absolutely stoked to be here.”

The Imperfects has found a new home at LiSTNR, the partnership will combine the podcast’s thought provoking content with LiSTNR’s sales expertise, growing digital platform and advanced AdTech Hub capabilities. The popular podcast joins LiSTNR’s diverse lineup of high-quality podcasts including Hamish & Andy, The Howie Games, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, The Briefing, It’s A Lot With Abbie Chatfield, and Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast.

All episodes of The Imperfects are now available on LiSTNR with a new episode available every Monday from February 10. Download the LiSTNR app and sign-up to listen for free.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com 

What does it take to become one of the AFL’s most enduring and respected players in one of the world’s most physically demanding sports? Australia’s #1 sport podcast*, LiSTNR’s The Howie Games, gives fans an exclusive, behind the scenes look with Collingwood Football Club legend Scott Pendlebury, in an innovative eight-part series, Pendlebury: Beyond 400.

A living legend of the game, Scott Pendlebury’s AFLresume is second to none. A two-time Premiership player, Pendlebury’s five best-and-fairest awards, six All-Australian selections, and undeniable respect from players and fans cement his place among the AFL’s elite. But despite his accolades, Pendlebury continues to push the limits of what’s possible, continuing his extraordinary career beyond 400 games – an achievement only five others have reached in VFL/AFL history.

In Pendlebury: Beyond 400, Pendlebury opens up like never before, sharing intimate and personal audio diaries as he navigates his pre-season training for his 21st AFL season. In bite-sized episodes, listeners will hear Pendlebury’s reflections, triumphs, and sacrifices behind the scenes in preparation for the 2025 season. Mark Howard, host of The Howie Games, guides listeners through this compelling, heartening series that will have sports fans hooked.

Mark ‘Howie’ Howard said: “We are privileged to share these remarkable, personal insights from Scott Pendlebury, undeniably one of the most disciplined, exceptional players in the game’s history. It’s been absolutely fascinating to discuss Scott’s process and feelings as he moves into unprecedented territory in his career. This is The Howie Games, as you’ve never heard before.”

Scott Pendlebury, two-time Collingwood premiershipplayer and 403-gamer,said: “These audio entries has been like verbal journaling – slowing down, reflecting, and realising how much work goes into preparing for a season. It’s been great to share this with Howie and I hope fans, especially young players, get an insight into the highs, the struggles, and what it takes to play footy at the highest level.”

Experience a new kind of football storytelling with The Howie Games. The first episode of ‘Pendlebury: Beyond 400′ is available now on LiSTNR. Episodes will be released on Monday and Tuesday across the next four weeks.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com

Friday 7 February, 2025 – AFL premiership player and Brownlow medalist, Ben Cousins, is set to expand his role and become a regular member of Mix94.5 Perth’s Pete & Kymba for Breakfast with Ben Cousins, starting Monday February 10, 2025.

After winning over listeners with his weekly ‘Bensday Wednesday’ segments on Mix94.5’s Pete & Kymba for Breakfast in 2024, Ben Cousins has quickly become a fan favourite. Pete & Kymba had Ben re-create his famous GQ photoshoot from the early 2000s, drawing a line of fans around the block eager for a signed copy. He’s also gone head-to-head in a dance off with West Coast Eagles supporters, bootscooted in the studio, and joined the team for local events like Mix94.5’s Masters Milk Carton Regatta and the Perth Telethon. Now in 2025, he’s officially off the rookie list, earning a permanent spot on the team.

A Brownlow Medal winner and six time All-Australian AFL player, Ben Cousins was a key figure in the West Coast Eagles’ success during his tenure and is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in AFL history. Since hanging up his boots, Cousins has transitioned into the media spotlight. Having provided expert AFL analysis and insight into the game on various radio shows over the years, Cousins now serves as a sports presenter with 7NEWS Perth. In addition to being a regular on Pete & Kymba for Breakfast in 2024, last year he demonstrated his versatility and charismatic charm by reaching the semi-finals on Dancing with the Stars.

Pete & Kymba said: “‘Ben has become a rascal brother to us,  we love mucking around and having fun with him, and we know our fans love being in on the fun too. But we would like to make it known we plan to throw Ben in the deep end even more, and as people who listen to our show know, there’s no other show like ours, we’ll find some genuinely unique scenarios to put him in, get ready.”

Ben Cousins said: “I’ve had a lot of fun with the Pete & Kymba team, they’ve definitely stitched me up a few times and I’ve been slowly getting my revenge. Guess I’ll have more time for that in 2025! It’s been great fun getting into radio and being able to chat to Perth in the morning. We’ve got a lot planned and I’m really keen to share all the things happening in my life and the great experiences I’m able to be a part of.”

Mix94.5 Content Director James Speed said: “Ben has successfully made it through the radio pre-season in 2024 and now we’re ready for him to get in the game even more for 2025! Ben has been an excellent addition to Pete & Kymba and we’re excited to get even more from him this year, our audience love Ben and we have some really special things planned to get him and our fans fired up for a big year, you’ll absolutely want to tune in and follow the journey.”

Pete & Kymba for Breakfast with Ben Cousins starts Monday 10 February on Mix94.5 from 6am to 9am or listen via the LiSTNR app. 

Friday February 7, 2025 – SCA has bolstered its commercial team with key strategic appointments in Melbourne, with Bec Ellem appointed as Head of Direct Sales and Christine Lester taking on the role of Head of Independent Agencies.

To meet the growing demand and needs of clients and agencies, SCA Melbourne is refining its commercial structure into three distinct teams – Agency, Indie Agency and Direct. Ellem will lead the newly established Direct Sales team, driving the development and execution of targeted direct sales strategies to further support Melbourne’s expanding market. In addition, Christine Lester will step into the role of Head of Independent Agency, leading a dedicated team to drive growth for SCA in the Indie market.

With over 20 years experience in commercial audio roles across multiple radio networks, Rebecca Ellem joins from ARN, where she has spent the past five and a half years and is currently Group Business Director for the Melbourne Indie Agency team. Prior to that, she spent nearly 12 years with NOVA Entertainment in senior positions, including Senior Account Director and Group Sales Manager.

Bec Ellem said of her appointment: “I’m excited to lead the dedicated direct sales team, bringing a strategic and hands-on approach to capitalise on the strength of the SCA product suite while delivering  market leading solutions for our new and existing customers.

Christine Lester has spent seven years as SCA’s Head of Direct and Independent Agencies, and will now re-align her focus to the Independent agency market.

Christine Lester said: “The Indie market in Melbourne continues to be a dynamic landscape with a lot of potential growth, with SCA’s expanding capabilities I am passionate about continuing to work with existing clients and inspiring new clients to leverage the power of audio.”

Victoria Young, SCA Head of Radio Sales said: “There is significant opportunity in Melbourne’s  Independent Agency and Direct market, and I’m thrilled that SCA is investing in key leadership roles to drive our growth. We’re excited to welcome Bec Ellem to SCA – her extensive knowledge in the audio market will be an invaluable asset to the team. Christine has been a key leader in our business for over seven years, and I’m confident that her continued guidance of Indies, combined with Bec’s fresh perspective and leadership, will position us for strong results for our clients and business.”

Bec Ellem will commence on March 3 with Ellem and Lester reporting to Victoria Young.

Victorian community radio station 3MDR’s roots trace back to 1983, in the aftermath of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, one of the most devastating natural disasters in Australian history. In response to the urgent need for local emergency broadcasting, a group of dedicated locals banded together to establish a radio station that would serve their community. Their vision was to create a trusted voice for the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas.

Following test broadcasts and a 1985 launch, 3MDR has grown into a hub of local music, interviews, news, and multilingual programming. From broadcasting out of a bus to setting up shop in a milkbar, the station has had many homes. Today, thanks to funding from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, Bendigo Bank, and Yarra Ranges Council, 3MDR has continued to improve its facilities at Forest Park Homestead in Upwey – a space that allows it to continue fostering local talent and keeping the community connected.

The station is also kicking off its anniversary celebrations with an open day on Sunday 9 February – an opportunity for listeners, old and new, to visit the station, meet the team, and celebrate the impact of community radio.

Programming including The Imaginary Friends Show on Tuesday mornings, Maestro on the Mic on Fridays, and the 3MDR Live Sessions every Saturday displays the unique character of both the station and its volunteers, and is accompanied by an eclectic music mix and multilingual programs.

If you, or someone you know has had any involvement in 3MDR’s early days please contact the 3MDR office on 9752 5678 or email 3MDR’s Station Manager, Nat Grant on office@3mdr.com and get involved in documenting the history of Mountain District Radio Inc.

Photos

New research from System1, The Creative Effectiveness Platform, presented at Commercial Radio & Audio’s (CRA) HEARD audio showcase, has revealed how radio’s full potential can be unlocked and drive new levels of effectiveness in advertising.

The key, according to System1’s new research, is Creative Fluency – ads that forge emotional connections, are memorable, and unmistakably tied to a brand through effective sonic branding.

The research shows that when you pair creative fluency with an increase in radio spend to 11% of the media budget you can “double the double” in terms of the improvement in return on investment (ROI).

“Last year academic Mark Ritson showed that allocating just 11% of a media budget to radio can double campaign business effects, System1’s findings reveal how marketers can now double that double,” said Andrew Tindall, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships at System1.

“We all know radio is an affordable vehicle for mass reach with high attention, signalling strength and the ability to build brand awareness. We also know creativity fluency is the main way to increase campaign ROI so our research shows Australian brands how to double the double to get the most out of their radio/audio campaigns.”

Despite radio’s strength to double campaign effects, System1’s analysis of 56 Australian audio campaigns with over 8,000 Aussie listeners has uncovered a huge opportunity to double the double. None of the ads achieved “Strong” or “Exceptional” fluency (% of listeners correctly recalling the brand), with the average Australian audio campaign achieving 68% fluency.

Additionally, the research predicts half of Australian radio ads will struggle to create enough of an emotional connection to change listener behaviour – with 50% scoring System1’s lower 1 Star Rating (predicting ‘low’ brand-building potential). The message is clear: creative excellence can easily unlock exponential returns.

System1’s research pinpoints key strategies to maximise radio’s effectiveness:

1. Strong, Consistent Branding – Ads with strong branding will double brand trust gains. However, many brands fail to integrate their distinctive sonic brand assets clearly, consistently, early and regularly enough in ads. BCF’s “A to Z” campaign is a perfect example of how seamless branding throughout an ad can enhance recognition and recall.
2. Memorability – Ads that brand early and avoid being dull dramatically improve recall per media reach. Ads must have something interesting to say. Bing Lee’s “Birthday Sale” and “Dumb Ways to Die” campaigns showcase how distinct branding, creative storytelling, and smart execution make all the difference.
3. Leave Listeners Feeling Positive – Positive emotionally engaging ads are far more likely to be shared and discussed, increasing fame effects and multiplying radio’s mass reach. Aldi’s “Panettone Christmas” campaign shows how ads that resonate emotionally turn passive listeners into active brand advocates.
4. Entertain Wherever Possible – Ads with more entertaining “right-brain” creative features such as Character, Story, Dramatic Pauses, Humour and Music dramatically increase positive emotional engagement, leading to a possible four-times more listener behaviour change. Bupa’s “Contagious Smile” proves that when creative fluency is nailed, advertising can spark real-world behaviour change.

Victoria Bitter’s classic “Theme Song” from 2005 was the most successful campaign in System1’s testing, with a strong 4.1 Star Rating. This shows the power of fluent, emotional and entertaining advertising but also a vote for consistency.

“Great radio advertising isn’t just heard, it’s remembered,” adds Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.

“Brands that embrace creative fluency will see stronger recall, more engagement, and ultimately, better business outcomes. This research proves the power of radio when it’s creative, memorable, and deeply connected to the brand.”

Backed by over a decade of data and insights from 50,000 consumer responses across 131 campaigns, System1’s Listen Up! findings reveal the transformative impact of emotionally engaging ads. These ads deliver a 92% increase in social sharing, a 1.3x boost in word-of-mouth recommendations, and a 1.66x increase in ad recall per 100 GRPs. Moreover, audio ads generate 1.15x more emotional intensity than visual ads at comparable exposure levels and are 20% more likely to be recalled.

About System1

System1 is The Creative Effectiveness Platform that harnesses the power of emotion to drive growth for the world’s leading brands.

Our Test Your Ad (TYA) and Test Your Innovation (TYI) solutions quickly predict the short- and long-term commercial potential of ads and ideas, giving marketers confidence that their creative concepts will resonate with consumers and drive profitable commercial growth.  Complementing TYA and TYI is Test Your Brand (TYB), which measures the impact of ads and ideas on brand health.

With a database of over 100,000 ads, System1 allows brands to compare their ads against competitors, and System1’s expert guidance helps brands improve the effectiveness of ads and ideas.

System1 was founded in 2000 by Founder & President John Kearon and has operations in Europe, North America, Brazil, Singapore, and Australia.  For more information, visit system1group.com or follow System1 on LinkedIn.