#320: Steph Strings - Feeling Alive
Funny In Failure
Melbourne multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Steph Strings already has many strings, literally and figuratively, to her creative bow. But in early 2026, a brand new chapter will arrive in the form of Steph’s long-awaited debut album ‘Feel Alive’, set for release on Friday 9 January, 2026. Steph has also unveiled a new single and music video, with the smouldering country-pop track ‘Devil Woman’ which is now out! A truly gifted storyteller at her core, Steph Strings is a renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist, merging coastal fingerstyle indie rock with blues, folk and...
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#319: Dave Symes (Boy & Bear)- Looking Out For Each Other
Funny In Failure
Dave Symes is a performer, writer, producer, arranger and the bass player of Boy & Bear. As a member of Boy & Bear Dave has enjoyed 2 Aria #1 Albums in Australia with “Harlequin Dream” and “Limit Of Love”, as well as a # 4 with “Boy and Bear” and a #7 with “Suck On Light”. The band performs regularly, touring across Australia, North America and Europe. Renowned for their magnetic blend of vintage pop, alternative elements and folk edges, Boy & Bear channel nostalgia, personal experiences and universal themes into...
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#318: Pez - Music is a Blessing
Funny In Failure
Pez (Perry Chapman) is one of Australia’s most respected hip-hop artists and an icon. He has achieved ARIA-charting albums, national tours, and collaborations with some of Australia’s most influential hip-hop acts. Pez has a reputation as one of the countries sharpest lyricists. His longevity and evolution have cemented him as a trusted, authentic voice in Australian music, admired for both his craft and his contribution to the culture. Pez is touring with 360 on their Back N Forth Tour, check it out (links below)! We chat about leaving music and coming back (hopefully), authenticity and...
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#317: Micah & Sarah Wallace - Leap of Faith
Funny In Failure
Micah and Sarah Wallace are dynamic digital creators known for their authentic storytelling, vibrant personalities, and engaging multimedia content. As a couple, they’ve built a dedicated following across platforms by blending creativity with relatability, sharing everything from everyday life to curated projects that inspire and uplift. With a massive presence on Instagram (2.1M+), TikTok (2.4M+) and YouTube (185K+), Micah and Sarah produce content that spans lifestyle, travel, family, wellness, and culture. We chat about the importance of fun, leaving corporate work to pursue content...
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#315: Matt Ritter - Friendship is the Ultimate Life Hack
Funny In Failure
—a former lawyer turned Hollywood multi-hyphenate who’s fast becoming the definitive voice of the modern friendship movement. Matt is the creator, writer, producer, and star of The Buddy System, a hilarious and heartfelt Audible Original which has just launched. The special blends personal storytelling with cutting-edge research on social fitness—challenging the idea that friendship is a luxury and making the case that it's actually the most important wellness tool we have. He’s also co-host of Man of the Year, the #1 podcast on male friendship, and the founder...
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#314: Diesel (Mark Lizotte) - 10,000 hours
Funny In Failure
Mark Lizotte or Diesel is an American-born, Aussie-based roots rock guitarist and singer. He has spent decades cementing his status as one of Australia’s greatest music success stories. First turning heads with his first band, Johnny Diesel & the Injectors, Diesel soon launched a solo career in the 1990s, introducing the world to Diesel – and the rest truly was history. With multiple #1 albums, several ARIA Award wins, including three consecutive wins in 1993, 1994 and 1995, Diesel has remained both a chart staple and live fan-favourite...
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#313: 360 (Matt Colwell) - Authenticity
Funny In Failure
Matt Colwell or 360 is one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved rappers. 360 erupted onto the scene in the early 2000s, taking home multiple ARIA Award nominations and two wins along the way. Peaking at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart, Falling & Flying went on to become certified double platinum, and also secured wins at the 2012 ARIA Music Awards for Breakthrough Artist – Release and Producer of the Year. From here, 360 released 2014’s Utopia, 2017’s Vintage Modern and, most recently, his latest record Out of the Blue, which dropped earlier this year. Debuting at #1 on the ARIA...
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#312: Phil Rosenthal - Writing Your Own Ticket
Funny In Failure
Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning creator, executive producer, and host of “Somebody Feed Phil,” as well as a two-time New York Times Best Selling Author and soon-to-be restaurant owner. “Somebody Feed Phil” – one of Netflix’s most popular food and travel shows – has garnered a cult-like following and released its eighth season on June 18th in 190 countries. The Emmy-nominated series is Netflix’s longest unscripted series and combines Rosenthal’s love of food and travel with his unique brand of humor and has become must-see TV for foodies, restaurateurs, travelers, and...
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#311: Justin Spitzer - Incremental Progress
Funny In Failure
Justin Spitzer is a co-creator and executive producer of “St. Denis Medical.” Prior to that, he created and ran NBC comedies “Superstore” (2015- 2021) and “American Auto” (2021-2023). His other writing/producing credits include seven seasons of “The Office”, as well as “Scrubs”, “Committed”, “Courting Alex”, and “Mulaney”. We chat about Superstore and leaving, creating shows, rejection and moving forward, collaborating and the writer’s room, working on The Office, Bill Lawrence, when shows end, pivoting from acting plus plenty more! Check Justin out on:...
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#310: Dean Redman - Your Unique Blueprint
Funny In Failure
Dean Redman is a well-known and accomplished actor and voice actor with over 100 film, television, and voice acting credits to his name. He is most notable for his strong performances in major Hollywood Blockbusters, such as Legendary/Blizzard Films' “Warcraft,” where he took on not one but two major character roles alongside Travis Fimmel, Dominic Cooper, and Paula Patton. He is equally known for his aggressive performance in 20th Century Fox’s Oscar-nominated epic “War For The Planet Of The Apes,” for his Supporting role alongside Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis....
info_outlineAdriano Zumbo is a chef and TV presenter. He is one of Australia’s most celebrated pâtissiers and the star of the Netflix TV shows Zumbo’s Just Desserts and Sugar Rush. As a popular figure in the pastry world he has garnered many nicknames including, ‘The Sweet Assassin’, ‘Pâtissier of Pain, ‘Dark Lord of the Pastry Kitchen’ and has been lauded as ‘Australia's answer to Willy Wonka’. Adriano is a regular guest judge on MasterChef Australia and has appeared on Dessert Masters on Network 10.
This country boy’s first taste of the sweet life was raiding the lollies and cake mix from his parent’s Coonamble supermarket. Adriano began his apprenticeship at the age of 15 where his love affair with pastry flourished. An appearance on the first series of MasterChef Australia was instrumental in introducing the croquembouche to an even wider audience and made Adriano – and macarons – a household name.
Adriano has released three bestselling cookbooks, has competed in several prominent international competitions including Coupe de Monde and the Asian Pastry Cup. It is, however, his love affair with confectionery, combined with his Parisian training at institutions that include l’Ecole Lenôtre, Bellouet and Pierre Hermé and which has resulted in a sensibility as delicious as it is irreverent. Adriano is a favourite on the international events circuit traveling to India, Indonesia, Mexico, South America and Malaysia demonstrating his sweet skills to an audience of devotees.
Creativity is evident in every layer of Adriano’s elaborate desserts. Constantly evolving and always considering his next move, cake, or idea, Adriano’s infectious energy keeps his fans on their toes. They love it that way, and so does he.
We chat about the creativity, loss of his businesses and the toll it took, his love of creating, crazy macaroons flavours, stress and cooking, getting on TV & MasterChef, tailored needs of the school system plus plenty more!
Check Adriano out on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zumbopatisserie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesweetassassin/
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