Interviews

In a very welcome return to the PBS airwaves, Gerry Koster drops by to join Greg for this special Radio Festival edition of Stars in the Static. One of Australia's most respected jazz broadcasters and a member of the PBS family for over 3 decades, Gerry joins Greg to share their love for improvised music and the myriad variants of jazz, and of course their shared love for PBS.

Ania Reynolds brings both of her personae – as a piano player and baritone saxophonist, both extraordinaire – to her visit to the Global Village. She shares with Roger why she supports PBS and the Global Village, and encourages you to do the same. Tune in to hear her perform music from forthcoming albums in both guises, and a hint at some of her upcoming musical adventures.

Tune in to 5ft High and Rising this Saturday morning to hear from local legends and musicians Kerryn Fields, Jeff Jenkins, Joyce Prescher and Lachlan Bryan, along with PBS announcer Ernie. They’ll be joining Myles O’Neil-Shaw and co-host Dave DeBrincat to share what fuels their passion for this incredible, independent radio station.

Mary Mihelakos joins Phil to chat about PBS and her incredible journey through Naarm's music scene. From booking bands as a teen to editing Beat Magazine, launching the Aussie BBQ at SXSW, and founding Leaps and Bounds Festival, Mary’s impact is legendary. Now PBS’s Marketing & Events Coordinator and a Music Victoria Hall of Fame inductee, she shares stories from decades at the heart of the scene. Don’t miss this Radio Festival special on Sunglasses After Dark!

Myles O'Neil-Shaw of 5ft High & Rising joins Crispi for a unique crossover. A passionate advocate for alt-country, Myles shares his perspective on what makes PBS such a vital force in supporting the local country scene. Tune in to Radio City as Myles and Crispi discuss their shared devotion for this community focused radio station.

Claire Stuchbery of Firewater joins Crispi for a special guest spot on Radio City to talk all things Radio Festival. Tune in to hear what Claire and Crispi love about each other's shows while they remind PBS listeners of the various ways they can support the station this Radio Festival.

As part of this year’s PBS Radio Festival, Miss Goldie of Boss Action joins forces with Lyndelle for a special co-hosted edition of The Afterglow—welcome to Afterglow B Action! Soul powerhouse Kylie Auldist is along for the ride, bringing three hours of non-stop musical power. Between spinning soul 45s and jazzy grooves, the trio will share why this local platform is so important. Tune in to support your PBS favourites and find out how you can help keep community alive and thriving.

Margret RoadKnight joins Helen Jennings OAM for a special co-presenter segment celebrating PBS' Radio Festival. With a career spanning over five decades, Margret’s diverse talents in blues, jazz, gospel, and cabaret will shine through alongside Helen's deep knowledge of music. Tune in to hear Helen and Margret share what they love about PBS, and how listeners can help support this incredible music community.

Jackey Coyle of Wordy-Gurdy joins Helen on air to celebrate all things PBS—sharing highlights from the on-air festivities, giving listeners the scoop on this year’s incredible giveaway prizes, and explaining how you can help 'Keep the Beat!' in 2025. Tune in as Jackey and Helen chat about what they admire in each other’s shows and reflect on why supporting PBS means so much to them—and to the wider music community.

PBS Music Director Firas returns to the airwaves for a special Radio Festival edition of Mystic Brew. Having first met at the station and now good friends; Firas and Mike are a testament to the deep connections and creative growth that community radio fosters. Tune in as they reflect on their respective music journeys, the role PBS has played in shaping their craft, and why supporting the station matters now more than ever. Don’t miss this warm, reflective, and music-filled conversation.

For over 13 years, Milo Eastwood has championed eclectic sounds on community radio, with the past five as host of PBS’s The Breakfast Spread. Known for his Friday morning sets packed with house, disco, Latin, and laid-back electronica, he’s become a weekend ritual for many. To celebrate Radio Festival, Milo keeps Claire company for a special morning down memory lane. Tune in for the feel-good energy, roaring tracks, and to support the station that keeps Naarm moving.

Local trio Vardos is driven by Alana's wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, performing folk and Romany music. As long-standing members and supporters of the Global Village, Vardos drop in to PBS during Radio Festival to talk about the role PBS has played in their career. Tune in to hear what they love about Roger's show Global Village, along with a live performance from this all-female group.

PBS Music Director and DJ Firas Massouh joins Penny on Passing Notes for a special back-to-back set as part of PBS's Radio Festival. Together, they’ll dive deep into the electronic underground, spinning tracks that celebrate the genre’s diversity and energy. Between beats, Firas and Penny will share insights into what PBS means to them, why community radio matters, and how listeners can help keep this vital platform thriving. Tune in for a vibrant mix of music and conversation.

Next up on Sunglasses After Dark are Isobel and Kayley, PBS’s resident Marketing and Membership dynamos. In the office by day and at band practice by night, they join Phil to chat about their love for community radio and the friendships and musical connections PBS helps foster. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights into life at the station, and find out how you can help keep PBS thriving during this year’s Radio Festival!

Pojama People host Chris Pearson joins Crispi on Radio City to celebrate this year's Radio Festival! Tune in on Thursday afternoon to hear these two beloved announcers play some of their favourite music as they talk about the important role that PBS plays in the music community and how listeners can help support the station.

As part of PBS Radio Festival week, Lyndelle Wilkinson of The Afterglow joins Crispi on Radio City for a special show celebrating all things PBS. A Wednesday drive-time favourite since 2004, Lyndelle brings an irresistible mix of soul, funk, disco, electro, hip hop and beyond—always fresh, always feel-good. Tune in for Lyndelle's passion for music and community, and to learn how PBS listeners can become involved in this vibrant community.

As part of this year’s PBS Radio Festival celebrations, Emma Peel of Switched On joins Lyndelle for a very special edition of your Wednesday drive-time favourite. Together, they’ll talk about what makes PBS such a vital part of the music community, and share how listeners can get involved in keeping the station strong. It’s a feel-good show that's not to be missed!

Starting out as a producer and announcer at Triple R, then moving on to a managerial role at 3MBS, and now the Programming Manager at PBS, Owen McKern has a lifetime of knowledge and experience in community radio - with a deep appreciation for the heartwarming impact it has on its listeners. Bringing his wisdom in to Southern Style, tune in to hear Owen and Jan share their passion for PBS and discuss how the people of Melbourne and beyond can be part of this vibrant station.

Banjo, guitar player and vocalist of The Burning Bridges Peter Somerville is passionate about PBS and the incredible work it does for the music community. Tune in to Southern Style as Peter drops in to share why he loves this community radio station.

A long-time PBS champion and co-presenter during Radio Festival, beloved Naarm broadcasting icon Billy Pinnell - recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia - will join Helen Jennings OAM on Roots of Rhythm. Billy’s deep musical knowledge and unmistakable voice have been part of the fabric of PBS for decades. Tune in from 10am as Helen and Billy chat about the importance of community radio and how listeners can help keep the heart of the station beating.