In this episode of the Creative Rumble podcast, hosts Laura Purcell and Nadia Ayliffe Robinson welcome the award-winning actor and director Jane Longhurst. Longhurst, known for her significant contributions to Tasmanian and national theatre, shares her creative journey from her early days in television to her current endeavors in directing. The discussion touches on her acclaimed performances in theatre productions and her recent work, the 'Black Bag Trilogy,' which explores themes of domestic life, isolation and resilience. Jane delves into her transition from acting to directing, the challenges of securing funding for artistic projects, and the importance of creating meaningful connections through art. A heartfelt and engaging episode that highlights Longhurst's passion, depth, and inventive spirit, promising listeners an enriching exploration of a life dedicated to the arts.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:28 Jane Longhurst's Career Highlights

02:09 Transition from Acting to Directing

04:10 Jane's Early Career and Challenges

06:49 Life Overseas and a Return to Australia

10:58 Settling Back in Tasmania

13:30 Creative Evolution and New Opportunities

27:49 The Reckoning and Future Plans

38:51 Workshops and Mentorship

39:21 Challenges of a Small Performance Community

40:04 Avant-Garde Theatre

40:52 Importance of Supporting Local Arts

42:35 Struggles of Arts Advocacy

44:33 The Decline of Professional Theatre Companies

46:42 Personal Journey and Inspiration from Theatre

51:42 The Black Bag Trilogy: Concept and Development

52:45 New York Experience and Influence

01:13:42 Lifecycle: From Concept to Creation

01:16:59 Marjorie Bligh's Influence and Self-Sufficiency

01:19:02 Collaborations and Funding Struggles

01:20:12 Auspicious Arts Projects and Community Support

01:26:57 Creative Process and Audience Reactions

01:44:12 Future Prospects

01:48:48 Final Reflections and Gratitude

If you loved this episode of the Creative Rumble Podcast, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review - we’d greatly appreciate it.

For more info about our wonderful guests please visit the show notes on our website.

Learn more about Jane Longhurst

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Let’s creative rumble.

© 2025 Creative Rumble. All rights reserved

In this week's episode of the Creative Rumble podcast, hosts Nadia Ayliffe Robinson and Laura Purcell sit down with Adrienne Morton, an experienced government lawyer with an enduring love for knitting. Adrienne shares her legal career journey, her unique approach to problem-solving, and how knitting provides a creative outlet and meditative escape.

Learn about her decade-long involvement with a close-knit community of Tasmanian knitters, her experiences with different knitting techniques, patterns and provenance and how she balances her demanding career with her hobby. Adrienne also shares personal stories, including those from her Chinese-Australian childhood, how she learnt to knit as she healed from trauma and the enduring joys of friends and family.

Whether you're a knitting enthusiast or someone looking for creative inspiration, this episode is packed with purls of wisdom, warmth and humour.

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Rumble Podcast

01:17 Meet Adrienne Morton: A Distinguished Government Lawyer

02:46 Adrienne's Knitting Journey and Techniques

08:11 The Therapeutic Benefits of Knitting

13:02 Adrienne's Tasmanian Heritage and Family History

17:28 The Importance of Family Stories and Heritage

23:20 Knitting Projects and Inspirations

37:40 The Sip and Stitch Group: A Knitting Community

48:33 Community and Membership Dynamics

49:13 Respecting Shared Spaces

50:04 Knitting Group Etiquette

51:54 Crafting and Creativity

56:27 Exploring Different Fibers

01:00:47 The Therapeutic Benefits of Knitting

01:12:10 Balancing Law and Craft

01:16:21 The Journey to Law School

01:21:04 Finding New Beginnings

01:25:43 The Importance of Creative Outlets

01:25:49 Joining the Sip and Stitch Group

01:28:40 Making Friends Through Knitting

01:33:41 Conclusion and Call to Action

If you loved this episode of the Creative Rumble Podcast, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review - we’d greatly appreciate it.

For more info about our wonderful guests please visit the show notes on our website.

Learn more about Adrienne Morton

Spread the creative rumble! Share this episode with your friends and fellow creatives.

Follow us on Instagram and/or sign up to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes updates, inspiring content, and news about upcoming episodes.

Love what you hear? Support the Creative Rumble Podcast and help keep the conversation alive by leaving a donation here.

Let’s creative rumble.

© 2025 Creative Rumble. All rights reserved

In this captivating episode of the Creative Rumble Podcast, hosts Laura Purcell and Nadia Ayliffe Robinson welcome the vibrant and multifaceted Rose 'Mamma Rosa' Ottavi Kokkoris into their conversation. Rose, a dynamic performer whose talents span from standup comedy to cooking and cabaret, shares her personal story of a creative career, parenting and running a beloved community cafe. The episode explores the deep ties that exist between food, family and traditions and delves into Rose’s passionate love for cooking, which served as her therapeutic outlet during tough times - including divorce, her battle with a brain tumour, the season of becoming an empty nester, and having aging parents. Rose's story is a compelling blend of humour, heartfelt stories, and inspiring reflections - truly showcasing that joy is indeed a dish best served LOUD.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:44 Meet Mamma Rosa: A Journey Through Comedy and Cooking

02:51 A Culinary Experience with Rose

04:02 Family and Food Traditions

15:16 The Birth of Mamma Rosa

22:38 Challenges and Triumphs

28:40 Recovery and Rediscovery

36:51 Healing Through Cooking

37:32 The Slow Passage of Time

39:14 Hospital Procedures and Sobering Moments

39:59 Rebuilding Life Post-Surgery

40:20 Mamma Rosa Pasta Classes

43:09 Cabaret Dreams and Bucket Lists

48:22 Identity and Generational Gaps

53:30 Financial Struggles and Community Support

01:02:36 Solo Road Trip Adventures

01:12:15 Future Dreams and Final Thoughts

If you loved this episode of the Creative Rumble Podcast, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review - we’d greatly appreciate it.

For more info about our wonderful guests please visit the show notes on our website.

Learn more about Aldrin Rose Ottavi Kokkoris

Spread the creative rumble! Share this episode with your friends and fellow creatives.

Follow us on Instagram and/or sign up to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes updates, inspiring content, and news about upcoming episodes.

Love what you hear? Support the Creative Rumble Podcast and help keep the conversation alive by leaving a donation here.

Let’s creative rumble.

© 2025 Creative Rumble. All rights reserved