Create And Amplify Podcast

Episode 10 - Billie Parsons

In this tenth episode of Create and Amplify, host Nic sits down with sculptor and artist Billie Parsons to talk about her journey through art, identity, and life as a disabled artist.
Billie shares how she transitioned from a background in theatre to working with sculpture, and how a serious accident changed both her life and creative practice. She opens up about learning to work with her body differently, her love for unusual materials, and her approach to making work that doesn’t centre the audience but invites them in.
 
Highlights include:
How a fist-shaped ceramic project in high school sparked Billie’s love of sculpture
Navigating disability and dexterity in a hands-on artform
Building North Preston Lifesaving Club as a space for disabled artists
The challenges and joys of studying Fine Arts in West Texas
Winning awards for tomato relish and lemon butter at the Royal Easter Show
Billie also discusses what real support for disabled artists could look like, the value of making "bad pots," and why sharing knowledge within the community is essential.
 
More from Billie:Visit billieparsonsart.com or get in touch to chat about ideas, collaborations or exhibitions.
 
Final NoteThis episode marks the end of the Creative Australia funded run of Create and Amplify. Thank you to all our guests, supporters and listeners. If you’d like to hear more in future, follow us on socials or get in touch and let us know who you’d love to hear from next.
 

Episode 9 - Jasper Peach

Nicole chats with writer, speaker, and advocate Jasper Peach. Jasper is a trans, non-binary, disabled creative whose work centres joy, inclusion, and advocacy. They discuss the craft of memoir writing, parenting, neurodivergence, and how their book You’ll Be a Wonderful Parent came to life to fill a gap in resources for queer and disabled families.
Jasper shares deeply personal reflections on:
Navigating writing and creativity as a neurodivergent person
Balancing activism and rest
Their experience transitioning to a full-time creative life during the pandemic
The joy and labour of building inclusive media, like the talk show Unmasked
Why hope and joy are radical acts in a challenging world
Resources & Mentions:
Jasper’s book: You’ll Be a Wonderful Parent
Free audiobook version on SoundCloud
Substack: jasperpeach.substack.com
Ko-fi support: ko-fi.com/jasperpeach
Unmasked (TV + podcast): available via Powerd Media / Channel 31
Upcoming children’s book: My Body is My Home (illustrated by Beci Orpin)
Instagram project: @michelle_roger Up and Dressed
 
Memoirs mentioned:
As Beautiful As Any Other by Kaya Wilson
All About Yves by Yves Rees
Big Beautiful Female Theory by Eloise Grills
Connect with Jasper:Instagram: @jasperpeachwritesSubstack: jasperpeach.substack.com

Episode 8 - Jessica Knight

Strange Little Girl: Jessica Knight on Memoir, Mormonism & Making It as a Writer
In this episode of Create And Amplify, writer and performer Jessica Knight joins us for a conversation about disability, diary-reading relatives, and what it really takes to write your first book.
Jessica opens up about her memoir Strange Little Girl, her Mormon upbringing, and the joy and chaos of being a disabled creative. From dialysis to diary disasters.
We also talk music: check out just some of the bands Jess loved growing up: Operation Ivy, Mojo Nixon, NOFX, No Use for a Name, The Vandals, AFI, Dropkick Murphys, The Distillers, Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, The 5.6.7.8's, Shonen Knife, L7, and The Eyeliners.
Whether you're an aspiring writer, a fan of personal storytelling, or just here for the exclusive family anecdotes this episode is for you.
Buy Strange Little Girl: ⁠ https://ultimopress.com.au/products/strange-little-girl⁠ Learn more about Jess: ⁠https://jessicaknight.com.au/⁠
Create And Amplify is supported by Creative Australia

Episode 7 - Kate Hood

Actor, director and disability arts advocate Kate Hood joins us to share her extraordinary journey through the Australian theatre scene, before and after acquiring her disability. With over 30 years in the industry, Kate discusses how becoming a wheelchair user reshaped her career, why true inclusion in the arts requires systemic change, and how she founded Raspberry Ripple, a theatre company committed to storytelling led by disabled and non-disabled artists working together.
 
From challenging drama school barriers to calling out tokenistic representation, Kate’s insights are a powerful call for access, leadership and visibility in the arts. We talk about access riders, invisible labour, dramaturgy and what it truly means to create inclusive work, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Episode 6 - Matt Fishwick

Host Nicole Smith sits down with performer, writer and improviser Matt Fishwick, a self-described introvert and “completely average human” navigating life with a brain injury, hemiparesis, depression and anxiety.
From growing up in the UK watching Whose Line Is It Anyway? to discovering community and creativity through improv in Australia, Matt shares how the stage became a place of freedom, connection and self-expression.
They open up about:
Discovering improv as an anxious introvert
Performing while living with hemiparesis and depression
The joy of low-stakes Zoom improv during lockdown
Hosting the Bela and Matt Show
Facing and recovering from cancer treatment
Building friendships by “finding your weirdos” in the improv world
Watch now and subscribe for more stories from disabled artists and creatives.
Support & Follow:Bela and Matt Show: facebook.com/BelaandMattImpro Melbourne: https://www.impromelbourne.com.auLearn more about hemiparesis: Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Credits:Create and Amplify is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
 

Episode 5 - Leisa Prowd

Leisa Prowd is a dancer, choreographer and performance artist whose work reclaims space for non-normative bodies on stage. In this deeply moving conversation, Leisa speaks with raw honesty about finding freedom through Butoh and Contact Improvisation, the transformative power of movement, and how dance has helped her navigate profound grief after the loss of her two oldest daughters. From her international work with contemporary ensembles to the creation of her solo show I Am Not This Body, Leisa shares a powerful journey of embodied activism, artistry and acceptance.
Create and Amplify is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Episode 4 - Andy Jackson

Poet Andy Jackson joins host Nicole Smith to explore embodiment, identity, masculinity, and the transformative force of language. Andy discusses his experience living with Marfan Syndrome, the assumptions placed on disabled bodies, and how poetry became both his refuge and revolution. He also reads his stunning poem Formity — a lyrical dialogue across centuries with 18th-century writer William Hay.
Together, they delve into the magic of poetry readings, the evolution of diversity in the literary world, and the creation of Raging Grace — an anthology amplifying disabled voices in Australia.
Whether you're a lover of poetry or just curious about the creative process behind it, this episode offers raw insights, moments of solidarity, and hope for a more inclusive future.
Support Andy Jackson's work:
Human Looking: https://giramondopublishing.com/books/human-looking
Raging Grace: https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/raging-grace
More about Andy: https://www.andyjacksonwriter.com
Create And Amplify has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its Principle Arts Investment and Advisory body.

Episode 3 - Olivia Muscat

In this episode, Nicole chats with writer, performer, and disability arts advocate Olivia Muscat about her exciting upcoming projects, including her children's book My Name Is Jemima and her theatre show Is Anyone Even Watching?. Olivia shares her journey navigating the arts as a blind creative, her love for theatre, fashion, and storytelling, and how she challenges perceptions of disability through her work.
They also dive into the power of representation, accessibility in the arts, and what it really means to belong to a creative community. Plus, Olivia opens up about imposter syndrome, grant struggles, and finding her voice as a critic and artist.
 
Follow Olivia: @wordsbyoliviamuscat on InstagramPre-order My Name Is Jemima at your favorite bookstore!Subscribe to Olivia’s Substack: oliviamuscat.substack.com
 
Create and Amplify is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Episode 2 - Hal Simons

In this episode of Create & Amplify, host Nicole Smith sits down with poet, mischief maker, and cat sitter extraordinaire, Hal Simons. Hal shares their journey into poetry, the power of words, and how writing helps them navigate chronic pain, grief, and life’s complexities. From heartfelt reflections to hilarious smart-arsery, this conversation is raw, insightful, and deeply moving. Hear about:
The magic of spoken word poetry
The unexpected birth of The Hapless Mortal chapbook
Living with chronic pain & disability with humor and resilience
Finding community and connection through storytelling
 
Don’t miss Hal’s powerful live reading of A High I Chase
https://facebook.com/halsimonsartist/ 
https://www.patreon.com/TheBrainOfHal 
https://www.mothertonguepoetry.com/
 
Create and Amplify is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
 
 

Episode 1 - Kath Duncan

The first episode of Create and Amplify features an in-depth conversation with Kath Duncan, a multi-talented artist, writer, researcher, and disability advocate. Kath discusses her personal journey, including how her physical differences shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for the arts. She shares insights on growing up in a working-class family, finding confidence through drama classes, and her early experiences in journalism and performance.
A key focus of the episode is Specials, Kath’s disability-centric drama inspired by her experience in a special school. She explains the research behind it, revisiting her past, and the process of developing it into a compelling narrative. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as disability representation in the arts, the challenges of securing funding, and the importance of teamwork for disabled creatives.
Kath emphasizes the need for more opportunities for disabled artists and critiques systemic issues. She concludes with advice for emerging artists, stressing resilience, collaboration, and the importance of embracing feedback.
 
Create and Amplify is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.