McLaren versus – Details, episodes & analysis

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:

1. Tim Minchin sleeping on her couch
2. Workign with superstars Baz Luhrman, Robbie WIlliams and Al Pacino
3. Embodying Richard III and reframing disability as strength
4. What makes a great performance
5. What it truly means to be a storyteller - telling her truth around agent orange, cancer and accoutnability
6. Living and wokring with chronic pain
7. Advocacy for disability representation in the arts

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Follow Kate Mulvany https://www.instagram.com/katemulvany/

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This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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:

1. Discovering music and performance as a young girl in Melbourne
2. Breaking through with The Phantom of the Opera and other landmark roles
3. The transition from ingénue to character roles
4. The discipline and daily rituals behind maintaining a world-class instrument
5. How motherhood and family shaped her artistry and perspective
6. Why live theatre remains her truest creative home

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Follow Marina Prior Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_marina_prior

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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.

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This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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:

1. From the hills iof Adelaide to a boat ride with Sophia Loren
2. What sparked Damon’s pivot from acting to impact filmmaking
3. How storytelling can reframe complex global challenges
4. The emotional intelligence behind his approach to documentary
5. The risks and rewards of telling stories that challenge the status quo
6. Why hope is a strategy—and how to keep it alive

Links mentioned in this episode:

• https://futurecouncil.global/

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Follow Damon Gameau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damon.gameau/

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This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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

1. Longevity, leadership, and lifting others as you go
2. Making space for joy, grief, and everything in between

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Follow Heather instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyheathermitchell

Like, Comment & Subscribe If 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.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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:

1. The legacy of My Island Home and singing for a nation
2. Juggling fame, family, and cultural responsibility
3. The power of music to drive change and connect community

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Follow Christine Anu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuchristine/

Like, Comment & Subscribe If 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.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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

1. What it really takes to build a life in the arts
2. Writing Beetlejuice: pressure, praise, and persistence

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Follow Eddie Perfect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundperfect/

Like, Comment & Subscribe If 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.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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:

1. From Sydney to New York—Murray’s long road to recognition
2. Behind The White Lotus and the role that changed everything
3. Queer storytelling and why it still matters
4. How home keeps him balanced

Links & Mentions:

Follow Us instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus

Follow Murray Bartlett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murray.bartlett/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

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:

1. The enduring impact of Looking for Alibrandi
2. What fame felt like as a young woman in the spotlight
3. Get thee to a nunnery... or not!
4. Surviving SURVIVOR
5. Unemployment and creative reinvention in the arts

Links & Mentions:

Follow Us instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus

Follow Pia Miranda Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_piamiranda/

Like, Comment & Subscribe If 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

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm