Gudinski

LiSTNR
  • 4.9 (64)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • SERIES
Gudinski

Gudinski is a five-part podcast series that tells a new side to the story of the late music mogul, Michael Gudinski. Hosted by Michael's daughter Kate Gudinski, the series unpacks her father’s legacy from signing Aussie icons like Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes to touring superstars like Madonna and The Rolling Stones around Australia. Kate explores what drove Michael's passion for music, how he built the Mushroom Group empire and his lasting impact on the music industry. 

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Episode 1: A leader, not a follower

    Before Michael Gudinski became the media mogul behind the Mushroom empire, he was a teenager with a dream to make it big in music. But Michael didn’t want to be a musician, he wanted to run the show. Michael’s daughter Kate Gudinski goes back to where it all started, a young Michael booking bands to play gigs around Melbourne in the late 1960s. After dropping out of school and getting kicked out of home, Michael lands his first big opportunity - booking bands to play Sunbury, Australia’s first major rock music festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Episode 2: The Rock Doctor

    When Michael Gudinski launches Mushroom Records in 1972, the label scores some early hit singles but costs quickly pile up and Mushroom nearly goes bankrupt. However, Mushroom’s financial troubles turn around when Michael discovers a colourful new band called Skyhooks. Not only would Skyhooks pull Mushroom Records out of the red, they'd help set Michael Gudinski up as the music mogul the world knows today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Episode 3: The Promoter Wars

    It’s the late 1970s and Michael Gudinski’s vision of a thriving Australian music scene has come true. Michael’s now a leading tour promoter and booking the hottest Aussie bands to play gigs around the country. Michael’s success doesn’t go unnoticed. A war between music promoters is brewing and they want to knock Michael off the top. While battling the local competition, Michael’s also trying to crack the international touring circuit. After a few misfires, Michael’s bringing the biggest names in music down under, and he's partying with them too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Episode 4: The Handshake Deal

    Michael sells Mushroom Records to billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Twice. Kate Gudinski takes you inside the deal where Michael sold his beloved record label and then, according to some, outsmarted one of the wealthiest men in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Episode 5: The Champion

    The world of live music is shut down overnight when the COVID-19 pandemic strikes in early 2020. Michael, whose spent the last 50 years going to gigs every other night, must find a way to keep Mushroom afloat and his artists working. Michael's hustling to keep the industry alive during Covid would be one of his last acts as a champion for Australian music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  6. Introducing Cold Chisel

    EPISODE 6

    Introducing Cold Chisel

    Think you know the full Cold Chisel story? Think again. Cold Chisel is a new five part podcast series on the rise, split and rebirth of one of Australia’s most successful and iconic rock bands. Featuring exclusive new interviews with all of the band members, the series dives into Cold Chisel’s most iconic moments, features stories never before heard and after 50 years what keeps the band coming back together.  Available now on the LiSTNR app. Listen here: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/cold-chisel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 min

  7. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing Gudinski

    Gudinski is a five-part podcast series that tells a new side to the story of the late music mogul, Michael Gudinski. Hosted by Michael's daughter Kate Gudinski, the series unpacks her father’s legacy from signing Aussie icons like Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes to touring superstars like Madonna and The Rolling Stones around Australia. Kate explores what drove Michael's passion for music, how he built the Mushroom Group empire and his lasting impact on the music industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Gudinski is a five-part podcast series that tells a new side to the story of the late music mogul, Michael Gudinski. Hosted by Michael's daughter Kate Gudinski, the series unpacks her father’s legacy from signing Aussie icons like Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes to touring superstars like Madonna and The Rolling Stones around Australia. Kate explores what drove Michael's passion for music, how he built the Mushroom Group empire and his lasting impact on the music industry. 

Information

  • Creator
    LiSTNR
  • Episodes
    7
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 LiSTNR - Text, image, music and sound comprising this podcast are owned by or licensed to SCA. By accessing, communicating or using this podcast, you agree to be bound by the terms available at https://podcastoneaustralia.com.au/terms
  • Show Website
    Gudinski

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