Behind the Mic with Mike E

Mike E
  • 4.7 (14)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Behind the Mic with Mike E (Mike Etheridge) is the podcast where Australia’s biggest podcast and audio creators reveal who they really are. These aren’t promo interviews. They’re honest, relaxed and often surprisingly personal conversations about career pivots, pressure, ego, burnout, ambition, personal life, relationships and what it really takes to build an audience in audio today. It’s about the person behind the brand. The doubts, the risks, the reinventions and the moments that changed everything. After more than 14 years in breakfast radio (Mike E & Emma) and still deep in the audio game, Mike E understands the egos, expectations and everything in between. That insider perspective makes for conversations that are raw, revealing and unfiltered. Whether you’re chasing your own goals, curious about the people behind the voices you hear every day, or just love honest conversation, Behind the Mic dives into the human side of success, ambition and resilience. Real conversations. No scripts. Just the truth behind the mic. Follow Mike E on: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

  1. 3 days ago

    Mitch Churi: Fame, Setbacks and Reinventing Success

    Mitch Churi pulls back the curtain on what happens when success comes early — and how quickly life can change when the path you thought you were on suddenly shifts. A broadcaster, podcast host and media personality, Mitch found fame at a young age, building a rapid rise in Australian media and becoming one of the industry’s most recognisable young voices. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Mitch opens up about the pressure of finding success so early, what it was like navigating fame while still figuring out who he was, and the challenges that came with growing up in the public eye. He also reflects on the major setback that forced him to reassess everything, how that difficult moment reshaped his career, and why reinvention became the key to his next chapter. Mitch shares how launching his own successful podcast and building a personal brand gave him a fresh sense of purpose, and how he turned a career setback into something much bigger than he originally imagined.  Honest, funny and full of perspective, this conversation explores resilience, reinvention and what it really takes to build something new when the original plan falls apart. Whether you’re interested in media, podcasting, or the reality of bouncing back after a setback, this episode offers insight into turning difficult moments into opportunities. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min

  2. 19 May

    Maz Compton: Last Drinks 😞

    Maz Compton pulls back th:(curtain on a career that has evolved across music television, radio, podcasting and now the growing sober movement. From her time on MTV Australia during the peak of music television culture to building a successful career in radio and podcasting, Maz has spent years in front of microphones and cameras navigating the highs and pressures of the media industry. Now hosting her podcast Last Drinks, Maz is leading honest conversations around sobriety and the growing number of people becoming “sober curious”. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Maz reflects on her early career, what it was like working in media during the height of the MTV era, and how the industry and she herself has changed over time. She also opens up about her personal journey with sobriety, what led her to stop drinking, and how life shifted once alcohol was no longer part of her identity and routine. Maz discusses Australia’s deeply embedded drinking culture, why more people are questioning their relationship with alcohol, and the challenges that can come with making a lifestyle choice that often goes against social expectations. Honest, reflective and deeply personal, this conversation explores reinvention, self-growth and the reality of building a new chapter while still working in the public eye. Whether you’re interested in media, podcasting, wellness or the changing culture around alcohol, this episode offers insight, perspective and a very real conversation about change. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min

  3. 12 May

    Josh Szeps: An Uncomfortable Conversation

    Josh Szeps pulls back the curtain on how leaning into difficult conversations helped him become one of Australia’s biggest podcast voices. As the host of Uncomfortable Conversations, Josh has built a global audience by asking the questions most people avoid and creating space for honest, nuanced debate in an increasingly divided world. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Josh explains why he started Uncomfortable Conversations, his thoughts on modern media and public discourse, and why difficult conversations matter more than ever. He also reflects on his journey through broadcasting and podcasting, how he built an international audience, and what it was like appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the world’s biggest podcasts. Josh opens up about why curiosity has become such a defining part of his work, the balance between controversy and conversation, and how he approaches topics that many people are too afraid to discuss publicly. Thoughtful, sharp and deeply engaging, this conversation explores the future of media, the importance of intellectual honesty, and why asking uncomfortable questions can sometimes lead to the most meaningful discussions. Whether you’re interested in podcasting, journalism, politics or the changing media landscape, this episode offers insight into one of Australia’s most compelling audio voices. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  4. 5 May

    Georgie Tunny: Spotlight, Sport and a Very Public Life

    Georgie Tunny pulls back the curtain on how turning “geeky” niche interests into a career can become your biggest advantage. A journalist, broadcaster and podcast host, Georgie has built a unique voice by leaning into what she genuinely loves, from sport to pop culture. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Georgie shares how her passion for sport led her into journalism, and how she’s built successful podcasts around niche interests, including sport and even Taylor Swift. She also reflects on her time on The Project, what it was like being part of such a high-profile show, and the experience of navigating its cancellation. Georgie opens up about life beyond the mic as well, including being in a public relationship with Rob Mills, how they manage the spotlight together, and the balance between personal life and public profile. Honest, engaging and full of perspective, this conversation explores how embracing what makes you different can become your greatest strength and how to build a career around the things you genuinely love. Whether you’re into media, podcasting, sport or pop culture, this episode offers insight into carving out your own lane in a crowded industry. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  5. 28 Apr

    Tanya Hennessy: One Video Changed Everything

    Tanya Hennessy pulls back the curtain on how one viral video changed everything and what it really takes to turn a moment of online fame into a lasting career. A comedian, radio personality, author and podcast host, Tanya became one of Australia’s most recognisable voices after a single piece of content exploded online, launching her into the spotlight almost overnight. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Tanya shares the story behind the video that made her a household name, how she handled the sudden attention, and what it takes to stay relevant once the initial buzz fades. She also reflects on her time in radio, being one of the early pioneers of podcasting in Australia, and how she’s built a career that extends far beyond that first viral moment.  Tanya opens up about how her life has changed since becoming a mum, her journey through years of IVF, and the reality of balancing career, identity and motherhood in a very public way. Honest, funny and deeply personal, this conversation explores the highs of internet fame, the challenges behind the scenes, and what it really means to evolve both personally and professionally.  Whether you’re interested in social media, podcasting, or the reality of building a career from a single moment, this episode delivers insight, laughs and plenty of real talk. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  6. 21 Apr

    Tammin Sursok: Being Famous as a Child Was Traumatic

    Tammin Sursok pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to grow up in the spotlight. From breaking out as a teenager on Home and Away to building a career in the US on shows like Pretty Little Liars, Tammin has experienced the highs and pressures of fame from a young age. Now hosting her podcast The Shit Show, she’s sharing a very different side of her life, one that’s far more raw, honest and grounded in reality. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Tammin opens up about the challenges of being a child star, what it was really like moving from Australia to the US in pursuit of success, and the pressure that comes with growing up in an industry built on image. She also shares the struggles she faced behind the scenes, how her perspective has shifted since becoming a mum, and why she felt compelled to start a podcast that reflects how tough life can be, even when everything looks perfect from the outside. Honest, vulnerable and deeply personal, this conversation explores identity, reinvention, and what happens when the spotlight fades and real life takes over. Whether you’re interested in entertainment, podcasting, or the realities of life behind fame, this episode offers a powerful look at the person behind the public persona. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  7. 14 Apr

    Glen James: Money, Media and Building a Financial Empire

    Glen James pulls back the curtain on how he turned money advice into one of Australia’s most successful podcast and content platforms. Glen is the host of 'Money Money Money' a show that has helped thousands of Australians better understand their finances. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Glen explains how he got started in the money space, and how he transformed simple, practical financial advice into a podcast, a personal brand, and a growing media business. He also shares how he’s been able to make finance, a topic many people avoid, actually engaging, relatable and easy to understand, particularly for a millennial audience looking for clear, no-nonsense guidance. Glen breaks down the growth of his platform, what it takes to build trust with an audience when talking about money, and how consistency and clarity have been key to scaling his content into something much bigger. Honest, practical and full of insight, this conversation explores the intersection of finance and media and what it really takes to build a content empire from a topic most people find intimidating. Whether you’re interested in money, podcasting, or building a brand, this episode offers real-world advice and a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  8. 7 Apr

    Clare Stephens: Cancel Culture, Pile-Ons and the Reality Behind the Outrage

    Clare Stephens pulls back the curtain on one of the most talked about dynamics of the modern internet: cancel culture. As the creator of The Pile On, Clare has built a podcast that dives deep into the moments when public opinion turns, and the real world consequences that follow. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Clare explores why we’re so quick to pile on, what drives audiences to turn on someone almost overnight, and the role social media plays in amplifying outrage. She also unpacks the brutal reality for the person at the centre of it all, what it actually feels like to be cancelled, how quickly things can spiral, and whether it’s truly possible to come back once public opinion has shifted. Clare reflects on where the line sits between accountability and going too far, and why understanding the psychology behind these moments is more important than ever in today’s media landscape. Honest, thought-provoking and deeply relevant, this conversation explores the culture of outrage, the human cost behind headlines, and what it really means to be judged in the court of public opinion. Whether you’re interested in media, social behaviour, or the reality of life online, this episode offers insight into one of the defining conversations of our time. Follow Mike E on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
See All (16)

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Behind the Mic with Mike E (Mike Etheridge) is the podcast where Australia’s biggest podcast and audio creators reveal who they really are. These aren’t promo interviews. They’re honest, relaxed and often surprisingly personal conversations about career pivots, pressure, ego, burnout, ambition, personal life, relationships and what it really takes to build an audience in audio today. It’s about the person behind the brand. The doubts, the risks, the reinventions and the moments that changed everything. After more than 14 years in breakfast radio (Mike E & Emma) and still deep in the audio game, Mike E understands the egos, expectations and everything in between. That insider perspective makes for conversations that are raw, revealing and unfiltered. Whether you’re chasing your own goals, curious about the people behind the voices you hear every day, or just love honest conversation, Behind the Mic dives into the human side of success, ambition and resilience. Real conversations. No scripts. Just the truth behind the mic. Follow Mike E on: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

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