James MacGregor is one of a trio of co-founders who developed Biteable, an online video-making software, out of Hobart in 2014. In the four years since, Biteable has amassed a staggering 4 million users looking to make eye-catching animated videos without blowing the budget as they would've had to previously. James has been an integral part of a few other startups and businesses - he's a software engineer by trade but is also well versed in both product design and marketing. We chat about how Biteable's vision has evolved with the company, how the software is being used, what he sees for the future, how he's refined his Venture capital pitch and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jed Altschwager is a 33-year-old bloke with a wife, young child and another one on the way. He's the kind of guy who injects positive energy into the room when he walks in. Jed's also an amputee. In 2015, he lost his left leg in an accident at work, and so began the long journey to both mental and physical recovery. Jed speaks of realising, on that hospital bed, that he had a choice: to either fall into drinking, depression and self-pity, or to pick himself up, attack his rehab and be a positive inspiration for himself and those close to him. Three years on, Jed's incredible mindset and determination has him healthier than ever and training to hopefully represent Australia in rowing at the Paralympics in 2020. It comes as no surprise that he's now asked to speak at schools and sporting clubs about mental resilience. You can follow Jed's journey on Instagram - @newbootoldjeans Stay up-to-date with The Message Pod at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christine Manfield is a self-taught yet celebrated chef who originally began her career as a teacher. The talented home cook later decided to switch lanes and went on to head up three award-winning restaurants in London and Sydney from 1993. As she confesses to Nicole, however, there's been no 'game plan' involved despite her going from strength to strength in the culinary world. Christine's released a successful spice collection, hosted plenty of gastronomic tours and continues to impart her knowledge on the next generation by mentoring young chefs and industry colleagues. She recently launched an updated version of one of her eight book titles, Tasting India: Heirloom Family Recipes. It's the book that she calls her 'love letter to India', the culinary and cultural destination that she's been frequenting for over two decades. Find out more at https://christinemanfield.com/ Stay up-to-date at https://facebook.com/themessagepod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham Cornes is a household name in Adelaide and the other AFL-obsessed parts of Australia. But despite going on to be a prominent media figure after his decorated playing and coaching careers, not many people know what he's had to deal with on a personal level over the trip. He grew up in a broken family that had next to nothing, lost touch with his mother for 30 years and spent two years in the army in his early 20s, serving a short stint in Vietnam just as his football career was getting started. He's had to come through his fair share of mental battles as a result, and he credits the Glenelg Football Club with helping him stay on the right track upon return. He's been married three times, has seen his two sons become football legends in their own right and is now raising teenage girls while he continues to stay involved in the media with FIVEaa's Conversations with Cornesy. As you'll hear, he wasn't totally sold on the idea of being on the other side of the interview, but he has a story and mindset that deserves to be explored. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gillian Armstrong is a feature film and documentary director who's been at the forefront of the industry for over three decades. She became a director at age 27 and the first woman to direct an Australian feature film in almost half a century when she made her debut with My Brilliant Career in 1979. Gillian's since been showered with awards, beckoned by Hollywood and an advocate for women's rights within the male-dominated sphere of film. She caught up with Nicole to chat about the exhibition that shares the name of one of her most poignant pieces - Starstruck, as well as the state of Australian film and the strong female protagonists that she's been known for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Aussies Russell Ivanovic and Philip Simpson first burst onto the scene in 2008 with their debut app, Pocket Weather, and were well ahead of the game when they launched Pocket Casts in 2010. Pocket Casts sought to address the convoluted process of listening to podcasts on your phone, well before Apple or Android had developed their own listening apps. Now, it's been acquired by four major US players in the industry (think NPR and This American Life), but Shifty jelly – Russell and Phil's development company – are finding a way to keep things local, while also ensuring the listeners and producers of podcasts interests' are prioritised. His message is about marketing, 'talkability' and not being afraid of hard work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Pitman served 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy and was deployed to Iraq on multiple occasions before his medical discharge. He left with serious knee and hip issues, but they were nothing compared to what he has dealt with mentally. As he tried to return to the 'real world', he sank into depression and alcoholism which led to him becoming severely overweight. This week, however, he makes an enormous step in his recovery by representing Australia in the Invictus Games. How's he done it? What's he learnt? Did he receive adequate support? It's all on the agenda in this confronting but inspirational interview as Chris prepares to compete. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of Australia's most highly-regarded filmmakers are in the Pod to discuss their newest and most unique collaboration to date. The Waiting Room, launched as part of the Adelaide Film Festival, is a 3D Virtual-Reality piece that explores confronting and thought-provoking ideas. Rolf de Heer and Molly Reynolds have a rare synergy that goes well beyond the screen. Nicole probes them about how the daring concept came about, what they're hoping the audience comes away with, the technological hurdles that had to be overcome and the future of film. Stay up-to-date at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cameron Adams is one of three founding members of Canva, an online graphic design software that makes creating stunning visuals accessible for everyday people. He's actually the technical brains behind it all – though he won't admit that – having spent three years as a User Interface Designer at Google. Canva is only six years old, but it's worth over $1bn, is used by 10 million people and employs over 350 staff! It's also renowned as the greatest place to work in the country, thanks to its strong focus on culture and team-building - think chef-made breakfast and lunch, flexible hours, being able to bring your pets, a rock-climbing wall and free gym, yoga and meditation. Its no coincidence that the company has enjoyed so much success. You can check it all out here: https://bit.ly/2xD710m Cameron's in the Pod to speak about that culture, how they've had to change and adapt as they expand at a rapid rate and how much further they've got to go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andre Eikmeier failed at every professional venture he attempted - including acting on Aussie TV drama A Country Practice - before he followed his passion for good wine into business with his brother-in-law Justin in 2011. Vinomofo, an online wine delivery and discount service, was first run out of a garage in Adelaide, but grew to have over 100 employees, 500,000 customers, a presence in New Zealand and Singapore and HQ in Melbourne. Andre's just recently relinquished his role as co-CEO to start building on another one of his passions - helping brands resonate with the public - with his new venture Cult Tribal. He tells us about the lessons he's learnt, how he plans to build an uncompromising culture, how to create trust, the motivation of fear and what he would do if he was looking to join the startup community today. He also answers questions like - why do good people make a company and how do you find them? What does he mean by doing the right thing? When do you need external investors and when can you 'bootstrap' it? So it's full of pearls of wisdom for any business minds. His message is about coupling self belief with self awareness and trusting your intuition. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert McFarlane first realised the power of photography at high school in the 1950s, a realisation that so heavily resonated with him that he went on to become one of Australia's most authoritative documentary photographers. After a brief stint as a copy boy at an advertising agency, he followed his passion into photojournalism, which took him to Sydney in 1963 and London in 1969. He's used his talent both to cut through important social issues - his enduring photograph of Aboriginal activist Charlie Perkins comes to mind - and creatively on film sets and in theatres. Geoffrey Rush, Cate Blanchett and a young Nicole Kidman are among those who've been captured by Robert, who finds a way to brilliantly blur the lines between character and reality. He speaks today about life on the film set, the requisite patience, his three favourite Australian films of all time and balancing box office with the stories that need to be told. You can see and hear more from Robert at the Samstag Museum of Art on Thursday October 18 as part of the exhibition Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits, which runs from September 14 - November 30. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Williams is a familiar face on Australian Television, having hosted The Great Outdoors, Dancing with the Stars, The Mole and now The Daily Edition since first appearing as 'Tom the chippy' on Triple J. But he had far from the traditional journey to his career in the media - he was working in construction all through his 20s, competing in surf lifesaving events on the weekends, and it wasn't until he phoned in to the radio in 2000 that he found himself on the airwaves. As Tom describes, he's well aware that 17 years on TV without being booted off is nothing to be sneezed at, he's still heavily dependent on exercise and the outdoors, and while he may be nearing the end of his 40s, he views 'growing up' as optional. We reckon his background as an everyday, hard-working Aussie bloke who has his feet firmly on the ground has him in an ideal position to now mentor his two young daughters through their own lives. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Sarah is a 49-year-old mother to three boys, who only began her mountaineering career a little over a decade ago. Now, she's the first woman to the complete the seven-seven challenge - which means she's summited the highest mountains and volcanic peaks on all seven continents. Wow! But what is it that saw her go from the 'rat race' to spending all of her spare time either at altitude or preparing to be? Katie's all about asking 'why couldn't I?' instead of saying 'Oh, I couldn't.' And it's that mentality that's got her to where she is today - breaking international climbing records while she runs a business, raises a family and looks after her beloved dogs. We asked Katie about what it feels like to conquer long-term goals and how she deals with the 'come-down' that comes with ticking one off, how she plans to spend her 50th birthday and whether or not she's an adrenaline junkie. facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie McCrossin is a veteran Australian radio broadcaster, journalist and comedian who you'll remember from her roles on 'Good News Week' and 'Life Matters'. Since the 1970's, she's been an ever-present activist for women's and gay rights, having been involved in the 1978 protests that went on to become the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Now, she's advocating for a different cause, having survived Stage 4 throat cancer that almost took her voice, and her life, in 2013. As you'll hear, she's recovered physically from the disease, but still struggles with the emotional toll that remains. She shares some personal memories about when she was first diagnosed, why she's lost the ability to cry, her idea of the perfect day and what she loves about the 'nitty gritty' of activism. She's a warm and generous soul who gets most of her happiness from helping others. We could all take something from Julie's wonderful perspective on life. Check out more of her good work at: www.beyondfive.org.au www.targetingcancer.com.au www.beyondfive.org.au/News www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/UC-Pub-Head-and-Neck-CAN1161-lo-res_May-2017.pdf See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole is fresh from a couple of weeks in the United States, where she was struck by some of the questions that she was asked by citizens concerned with how the powerhouse was being perceived on the back of its polarising President. So, we got two of Adelaide's most qualified American academics to shed some light on the political landscape in their native country. Dr Tom Buchanan completed a Masters and Ph.D. in History at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, before coming to the University of Adelaide in 2005 where he's been dubbed a 'Legendary Lecturer'. At the moment, he's coordinating a course titled 'Trump Unlocked: Modern America'. He's joined by Kedron Bardwell, a Political Scientist at Simpson College in Iowa and self-confessed 'election junkie', who's currently in Australia for a semester on exchange. Nicole asks the guys about polarisation in the States - is it a new phenomenon or has it been stewing silently under the surface for generations? What does Trump and his twitter account mean for International Relations? Which historical era set us on this path? What do we make of the media and its distrust, and how do we achieve a more informed political discourse? facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Gago has been at the helm of wine production at the prestigious Penfolds in South Australia for over 16 years, having begun his career as a Maths and Science teacher before heading to Roseworthy Agricultural College. Penfolds is one of the most iconic labels in the world, renowned for its wines' longevity and ability to cellar. As they enter their 175th year in the market, Peter recognises the company's ongoing challenge is to continue to innovate and evolve without detracting from the traditional underpinnings that make it what it is. Among other things, Nicole probes the 'winemaker's winemaker' about his battles with his marketing department, the competitiveness of the sector, the potential of the commercial nature of the landscape to detract from his craft and the importance of leaving a legacy. facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sebastian Rees and fellow GP Troye Wallett co founded and run GenWise, an online platform that streamlines processes for doctors working in aged care. GenWise has been such a success that it took home the 2017 Telstra Australian Business of the Year. Sebastian is a considered and dedicated young man whose overriding purpose is to help others, and often those who need it most. He was recently recognised with the 'First Among Equals' Award at InDaily's 40 under 40 awards. In today's chat, Sebastian opens up to Nicole about how GenWise came about, why he and wife Stephanie don't have a TV, the importance of meditation in navigating his chaotic schedule and what his elderly patients have taught him about looking back on a life fulfilled. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wes Heddles is one half of a South Australian distillery that's taking the gin market by storm. He and good mate Adam Carpenter have created and run Prohibition Gin, while they both continue to work full-time in other areas. The time commitment is massive, and only someone with Wes' passion and energy (and ability to run off little sleep!) could pull it off. As we find out today, however, it won't be long before these two are fully-fledged businessmen in the booze industry. Prohibition Gin has won over 20 awards since it was released in 2015, and last year opened a tasting room on Gilbert Street in the heart of Adelaide. Wes tells us about how the business is measuring up to its planned trajectory, where it got its name and how that's influenced decisions surrounding the botanicals, and therefore taste, of the spirit that's become a gin-lovers staple. Check them out at prohibitionliquor.co Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop drifting, Start rowing. In 2000, Roz Savage was making the commute to her management consultancy job in London when she had an epiphany. She was comfortable, but not where she wanted to be. So she abandoned her job, house and husband to become the first woman to row solo across three oceans, which took around 5 million oar strokes! She's an environmental advocate, United Nations Climate Change Hero, speaker, author and super inspiring. In this chat, she reveals her thoughts on the track society is heading down and what it's like to test your limits, over and over again. If Roz resonates with you, and you're yet to listen to Tim Jarvis in Episode #25, I highly recommend you do. He's an Australian adventurer with a similar zest for life and our planet. facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Baxter is a former soldier who founded his first business, SE Net, with his life savings at 23, after dropping out of school to join the army at just 15. The startup was an internet service provider that he ran out of the spare room of his Adelaide home in the dial-up days of 1994. Since selling SE Net, he's worked on many other technological ventures, made a bucket-load of cash and even spent time working for Google. Now, he prefers to invest in other people's ideas and graces our TV screens as one of five sharks on Shark Tank. He's a mix of straight-up honesty, high intelligence and humour with a bit of bite. It makes for great audio. We discuss how he came to find out three days before filming that he'd be on the show, the glamourising of entrepreneurship, and why it's important to know what success looks like. Stay up to date at facebook.com/themessagepod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.