The Boy in Blue is Back!
Listen to the Journey: Tom Nethersole’s New EP & His Return to The Open Table Podcast
The incredible artist known as “The Boy in Blue,” has just released a phenomenal new EP, “Father, Son & the space in between.” This new work is an intimate and powerful journey that navigates themes of hurting, healing, and hope. It’s already being hailed as a masterful example of queer storytelling at its finest.
In this must-listen episode, Tom joins host Craig Brown to share the intimate story behind the music, diving into his creative process and the personal and professional journey that shaped the EP. He’ll also discuss how the music bravely explores life’s contradictions, including themes of love & disappointment, hope & grief, queer romance & religion, and the push-and-pull of family.
Get ready for an insightful, vulnerable, and moving conversation that offers the perfect complement to the EP.

From Circus Lights to Studio Mics: Daniel McBurnie on The Open Table
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome our very own The Open Table producer, Daniel McBurnie, to the guest chair!
Before he was making magic behind the scenes, Daniel lived a life under the spotlight as a former circus performer and professional actor. Tune in as he shares thrilling stories from the Big Top, discusses his journey into theatrical life, his personal religious experiences, and how those unique experiences shape his work today.

Unpacking Gender Expansive Faith with Author and Pastor Steff Fenton
This week on @theopentable we’re going back to our roots and diving deep into a vital conversation for faith and community. Host @craigmbrown is thrilled to welcome author, speaker, and founding pastor @steff_fenton (https://www.steffenton.co/) to the table.
Steff’s work is dedicated to flipping the man-made script on gender and sexuality to reveal God’s truth about LGBTIQA+ people—a message of celebration, not condemnation. If you or a loved one have ever questioned the compatibility of faith and gender identity, this episode is essential listening.
In this conversation, we explore how Steff’s personal journey as a transgender pastor has informed a groundbreaking theological perspective. We discuss the mission of Gender Expansive Faith: to equip Christians with the understanding and tools they need to truly welcome and celebrate their transgender loved ones, and to help queer and trans siblings discover the beauty they bring to the world and to their spiritual lives.
Listen in to discover a wider, more loving experience of faith that sees gender diversity as a gift, affirming that God celebrates and 100% affirms us, as we are.
️Don’t miss this crucial episode!
Host: @craigmbrown
Guest: @steff_fenton
You can also find The Open Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms shortly after the broadcast.
Find Out More
The Podcast (Instagram)
Guest’s Official Site: https://www.steffenton.co/
The Book: Learn more about and purchase Gender Expansive Faith.
The Radio Station: https://joy.org.au/

The Open Table: Chaos, Power, and Queer Politics with Lauren Rosewarne – The Trump 2.0 Year, Free Speech & The Epstein Files
The amazing and articulate Associate Professor, Lauren Rosewarne, joins us on @theopentable on @joy949!
This week, we dive deep into a year of evolving US and global politics, exploring what it all means for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Lauren discusses the complex landscape of “Trump 2.0” with amateur political enthusiast, @craigmbrown, offering her expert analysis and unpacking the chaos, power dynamics, and queer political implications.
* The ongoing impact and predictions for “Trump 2.0” and its effects on democracy and identity politics.
* A fascinating look at media, accountability, and the culture wars, including figures like Charlie Kirk and Jimmy Kimmel.
* A critical conversation around the boundaries of Free Speech in the digital age.
* The intersection of power and scandal as we touch on the complexities surrounding the release of the Epstein Files.

We want to hear from you! send us a message DM your questions to us or directly .
Listen Now: Find the full episode with Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne wherever you get your The Open Table podcasts, or tune in on JOY 94.9!
#LGBTQIA #QueerPolitics #LaurenRosewarne #JOY949 #TheOpenTable #Podcast #Trump2020 #FreeSpeech #EpsteinFiles #Politics #MediaAnalysis

This week, host @craigmbrown sat down for an incredible, insightful conversation with the multifaceted Brian G. Murphy (@thisisbgm)! Brian is a relationship coach, advocate, speaker, and author whose powerful new book, Love Beyond Monogamy: How Polyamory Can Enrich Your Spirituality, Faith, and Relationships, has just landed.
In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into faith, expansive love, and the countless ways we all live and love. Brian shares his unique perspective on non-monogamy and spirituality, moving beyond stigma to explore how different forms of relationship can be a source of profound spiritual and relational growth for everyone, whether you’re monogamous or non-monogamous.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Share this episode with anyone interested in faith, relationships, and building a life of authentic, expansive love.

Podcast Post: The Open Table with Karen Bryant from Midsumma Festival
The Open Table: In Conversation with Midsumma Festival CEO, Karen Bryant
We’re thrilled to welcome a true leader in the LGBTQ+ community to the Open Table this week! Join your hosts Craig M. Brown and Bepsi.bad as they sit down with the Chief Executive of Midsumma Festival, Karen Bryant.
Karen, also a self-proclaimed serial shutterbug, joins us to chat all things Midsumma. As we look ahead to January and February 2026, this episode couldn’t be more timely. In a world where representation is more crucial than ever, we dive into the incredible programming and events that are designed to celebrate and uplift our diverse queer communities.
She shares a fascinating story about how her mother, a staunch Liberal supporter, started to sense her queerness and mistakenly equated it with her daughter’s future political leanings towards the Labour Party.
And of course, we tackle the question on everyone’s lips: Why are the major Midsumma events, like Carnival and the T Dance, held on a Sunday? Karen provides some insightful answers that might just surprise you.
Don’t miss this engaging and important conversation on JOY 94.9‘s The Open Table. Tune in to hear about what’s coming up in the 2026 festival and gain a deeper understanding of the passion and purpose behind Midsumma.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
Mentioned in this episode:

* Midsumma Festival
* @midsummafestival on Instagram
* JOY 94.9
* @theopentable on Instagram

We are pleased as punch to welcome Robyn Whitaker, author and Executive Director of The Wesley Centre, to @theopentable this Wednesday. She will share what it means to read the Bible in an affirming way, how to recognise and respond to fundamentalism, and what genuine allyship looks like.
With @wesleycentre, we are going back to our roots to explore how faith and queerness can connect thoughtfully and with care.
Robyn is a theologian and author whose work bridges Scripture and public life. As a self confessed straight woman and ally, she embraces an affirming posture toward the LGBTQIA+ community, grounded in scholarship, compassion, and lived experience.

️New Episode of The Open Table Podcast with Jony Berry

We’re thrilled to welcome back @jonyberryofficial to @theopentable this episode on @joy949!


It’s been 12 months since Jony won Mr Universe, and he joins us to share what life has looked like since then. From the challenges to the incredible opportunities, Jony opens up about the importance of authenticity and living true to who you are.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

* Jony’s powerful coming out story
* Behind the scenes of his DNA Magazine feature shoot
* His unique cultural identity as part Tasmanian Aboriginal (Paola) and Portuguese
* The lessons he’s learned about visibility, identity, and community


Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates self-expression, heritage, and the courage to live openly.

Don’t miss this powerful chat with Jony Berry!

On this episode of @theopentable we’re thrilled to welcome actor and composer @kristina.bent.on.destructionto the show.
Kristina’s creative career spans stage, screen and music, but her story also weaves through faith and identity. From an early age, she was immersed in religion and witnessed what it really takes for someone in that world to step forward and come out. Those experiences have shaped her art, her voice, and her perspective on community and belonging.
Listeners may also recognise Kristina from her time behind the mic hosting her own program on @joy949. With that background, she’ll feel right at home in the studio — ready to share not only her journey but also her insights on navigating visibility, creativity and resilience.
Join us Wednesday night on The Open Table for a conversation that brings together music, storytelling, identity and courage.

We’re getting sporty on @theopentable as we are joined by Chris and Brendan from @gayfl_aqfp.
We take a closer look at how the AFL is handling homophobia both on and off the field, and we loudly applaud former Eagles player Mitch Brown for coming out as the very first Bisexual in the AFL.
Also, it’s been making headlines, but is the AFL truly committed to real change? And what does Snoop Dog have to do with it? Listen in and find out.

A self-described lesbian, Kate Mulholland is also a passionate social work student. She opens up about her fascinating journey — from growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to how raising her twin boys led her to fully embrace her sexuality.
You won’t want to miss this inspiring, raw, and courageous conversation with the vibrant @mediocrekate_ — the voice behind numerous podcasts (including @toopeaspod) and a true advocate for living authentically.

We’re excited to welcome @thorne_music to @theopentable this week. In this heartfelt and unapologetic conversation, Thorne shares what it means to identify as a Queer Fag, unpacks the role of a music therapist, and talks about the challenges and joys of life as an independent artist. We also dive into the journey of moving to Australia as a boy, the layered experiences of coming out, and of course, the power of music.

What does it mean to grow up queer in the Middle East while holding onto your sense of self? Maddie Q shares their beautifully chaotic journey from Saudi Arabia and Jordan to discovering personal freedom and self-expression in Australia.
Non-binary and vibrant with both masculine and feminine energy, Maddie reflects on navigating queer identity in the Middle East, growing up Muslim and becoming spiritual, and the ongoing path toward family connection and radical self-acceptance. They speak candidly about their pilgrimage to Mecca—praying for good hair along the way—and how hair became a symbol of rebellion, release, and living truthfully.
Maddie reminds us that being authentic is holy.

This week, we welcome the incredible Jocelyn Bishop (@joss.bish), a standout voice in the community and co-host of @joy949’s The Gender Agenda and Monday Brekky.
Jocelyn shares a powerful journey through faith, identity, transformation, and the beauty of second chances in both love and life.
In this conversation, we explore what it means to be a demisexual, non-binary, lesbian trans woman — including experiences of coming out later in life, stepping away from religious spaces, navigating family dynamics, and entering into a new marriage grounded in truth and authenticity.
This is a deeply honest and thought-provoking episode that invites reflection on identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to live openly.
Pull up a chair The Open Table.

Season 3 of The Open Table is here!
We’re thrilled to kick off the new season with the hilarious and heartfelt Carmelo Costa — comedian, cat lover, and regular at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
In this episode, Carmelo opens up about coming out, life after catholicism, navigating the comedy scene, and everything in between. Expect laughs, honesty, and a few surprises along the way.

Double the Deans, Double the Drama!
If you’re interested in LGBTQIA+ media, queer representation, drag culture, and Australian LGBTQ+ voices, this episode is for you.
This episode, we’re joined by not one but two dazzling Deans.
First up, Dean Arcuri — once the “busy homosexual,” now the “business homosexual” — talks about his new role at the helm of Q News and what it means to take queer media into the future. Oh, and did we mention he just won the Outstanding Contribution to Media at the 11th Victorian Pride Awards?
Then we meet Dean Addams — also known as the fabulous Linh Uendo — who brings us glitz, glamour, and grace as the reigning Mx. Congeniality 2025 from MEDEA. We also get into Disability Pride Month — what it means, why it matters, and how it shows up in queer spaces.
Two icons. One mic. And plenty of camp, courage, and conversation.
Follow us on INSTAGRAM for the glam, the gossip, and all the good gay stuff.

And Now for the Fine Print…
Yes, it’s that part of the show where we get legal — but keep it proudly queer.
Sophie Jest is back for her second guest appearance — because once just wasn’t enough. Lawyer by day, lead singer of queer punk band RUB by night, she’s the kind of guest who can give you legal advice and scream into a mic — in the best possible way.
In this episode, Sophie unpacks the realities of navigating the legal system as an LGBTQ+ person in Australia. We talk about:
The concept of minority stress
How to speak to the police.
Where discrimination still exists — in trans healthcare, workplace laws, and the migration system
How to access queer-friendly legal advice and support
She gives us solid legal tips we hope you never need, but if you do — you’ll be glad you listened.
Need legal help or advocacy support? These folks have your back:
Southside Justice
Queerspace
QLaw (Fitzroy Legal Service)
Rainbow Door
Because legal help should come with community, not judgement.

We’re thrilled to welcome Joy Media CEO, Paul Scott Williams (@scottypsw) to the podcast!
Paul joins us for a heartfelt and open conversation, giving JOY listeners a rare chance to connect with the voice behind the leadership. You might know him from those familiar Radiothon mornings — but this time, he’s sharing more of his story.
We talk about identity, navigating life as he/they, and the deeply personal experience of losing a partner — and how to be there for someone going through grief. It’s honest, moving, and full of gentle insights.

Polish your pearls and cue the overture—this week The Open Table rolls out the red carpet for the ever-glamorous Linh Uendo aka Dean Adams (@littlelinhuendo). We’re serving vintage camp, heartfelt chat, and a side of sequins as we dive into life with chronic illness, the transformative power of drag, the magic of volunteering, and timeless obsessions like Titanic and Wicked.
Hosts @craigmbrown and @bepsi.bad guide us through a joy-filled conversation that’s equal parts fabulous and glitter.

Last week’s chat with BB (@bhanuka) sparked so much interest, we just had to keep the conversation going. He’s back on The Open Table for a rich, wide-ranging discussion that dives deeper into community, cultural identity, and the world of leather.
In this follow-up episode, BB opens up about growing up Buddhist and how cultural differences have shaped his worldview. We talk about the transformative power of volunteering, and why it’s become such a vital part of his life and leadership. As Laird Leatherman 2025, BB reflects on what the title means to him, the responsibilities it carries, and his passionate work with Switchboard Victoria (https://www.switchboard.org.au), a key support service for LGBTQIA+ communities across Australia.
It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about service, self-expression, and showing up for community. Tune in to hear how BB is using his platform to uplift others—and why representation matters more than ever.
Listen now and tap into the spirit of Australia’s queer volunteer and leather scenes.