Shift Stirrers

Michelle Benson And Rosemary Pattison

Has there been a time in your life when you wanted to make changes?  If you're changing something about your vocation and passion we are the podcast to help motivate you. Our focus is on interviewing people who have made  life changing transitions

  1. 2 days ago

    Shift Stirrers – Rosemary & Michelle Out and about – Vivian Westwood

    Send us Fan Mail Shift Stirrers – Rosemary & Michelle Out and about – Vivian Westwood In this "Out and About" episode, Michelle and Rosemary visit the Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Armed with clipboards and a structured critique framework from the Daring Artists Group, they walk through decades of Westwood's revolutionary fashion - from punk rebellion and parachute harnesses to powerful power suits and exquisite ball gowns. We explore Westwood's signature tartans and tweeds, her use of binding and constraint as artistic statements, and how she moved from shouting against the establishment to dressing it in £10,000 suits. But this isn't just about pretty clothes - we discuss Westwood as activist, climate warrior, and anti-consumerism advocate who famously said "don't buy too much, just buy one piece." Michelle brings her fashion degree expertise while Rosemary asks "would this look better on a woman?" (spoiler: they disagree). This episode asks bigger questions too: where does art stop and fashion start? And what can we learn from someone who refused to be confined by anyone's expectations - even while her designs explored confinement itself?   Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355 e.krejany@gmail.com    Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    27 min

  2. 26 May

    Shift Stirrers – Jenny Croom – Paint like a 5 year old

    Send us Fan Mail Shift Stirrers – Jenny Croom – Paint like a 5 year old In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Croom, winner of Australia's first Portrait Artist of the Year competition in 2025. Recording in her beautiful home on the lakes, surrounded by her paintings, Jenny takes us through her journey from painting window ledges in her husband's dark electronics shop to winning a national competition and having her work hang in the National Portrait Gallery. We discover how returning to Australia after four years in Germany awakened her need to capture our brilliant light, why she "paints like a five-year-old" to start every canvas, and how stepping away from art during family life didn't end her creative journey - it just delayed it. Jenny's warmth, wisdom, and radical honesty about being the oldest contestant ("my future's a lot shorter than the others!") reveals how age, sacrifice, and staying playful can lead to unexpected triumph. This one's for anyone who's ever had to put their passion aside and wondered if it's too late to pick it back up.   Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355 e.krejany@gmail.com  Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    41 min

  3. 13 May

    Shift Stirrers – Julie Cliff - One Space at a Time

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we meet Julie Cliff, a professional organizer with an unexpected journey - from cooking for her family at age 7 on a country farm, to becoming Melbourne Storm's first female life member, to running her own decluttering business. The twist? Julie isn't "naturally organized" - she taught herself because she couldn't stand the mess! We challenge Julie with our Creative Chaos Challenge: helping a hypothetical ceramic artist drowning in clay dust, mystery glazes, and 17 half-finished projects. Her advice is practical, compassionate, and surprisingly freeing. From the "cutlery drawer philosophy" to tackling shame and guilt, Julie shows us that organizing isn't about perfection - it's about clearing space and time for what actually matters. This one's for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the mess and wondered where to start.the chaos rather than fighting it Professional Organiser Melbourne I Space and Time Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355 e.krejany@gmail.com  Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    59 min

  4. 29 Apr

    Shift Stirrers - Lygon St Market - The day the battery on the camera died

    Send us Fan Mail   In this "Out and About" episode, we headed to Lygon Street Market on Easter Sunday with big plans to interview makers for their upcoming Mother's Day market - and things didn't quite go to plan! The market was so busy that stallholders were run off their feet selling, our camera battery died mid-interviews, and Michelle was juggling her own stall while trying to film. But here's the thing: a market too busy to interview people is actually the best kind of problem to have. We managed to chat with Urban Dogs about their beautiful leather work and organic dog treats, Three Bees Honey (run by a former radio announcer!), and spotted stunning glass fish, handmade fingerless gloves, dried flowers, and so much more. This episode is our honest take on what creative markets are really like when they're thriving - chaotic, inspiring, and full of talented makers who genuinely love what they do. Plus, we're giving you the inside scoop on Lygon Street Market's Mother's Day edition (Sunday May 3rd) and what makes a good market from both a visitor and maker perspective. Sometimes the best podcast episodes come from embracing the chaos rather than fighting it! Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355 e.krejany@gmail.com  Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    28 min

  5. 15 Apr

    Shift Stirrers – Setting Up a gallery exhibition.

    Send us Fan Mail Shift Stirrers – Setting Up a gallery exhibition. In this special episode recorded live in Michelle's studio, we sit down with sculptural artist Dana Falcini and ceramic artist Anna Battersby to talk about what emerging artists really need to know when setting up their first gallery exhibition. From dealing with fragile materials like bone and gut to understanding lighting and spatial flow, Dana and Anna share hard-won wisdom about installation. We explore the power of "less is more," the importance of letting your work breathe, why bringing your own toolbox is essential, and how to create exhibitions that invite viewers into a contemplative experience rather than overwhelming them. Whether you're planning your first solo show or wondering how to make group exhibitions work, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest mistakes, and the kind of preparation tips that can transform how your work is experienced. Recorded in the same space where we all exhibited together, this episode captures the collaborative, supportive energy that makes good installations great Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355 e.krejany@gmail.com    Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    36 min

  6. 31 Mar

    Shift Stirrers - Mindful Living - Leila Davis

    Send us Fan Mail Leila Davis Mindful Living   We're so excited to introduce you to Leila Davis today. Leila's a ceramic artist in Brisbane, but before that she was a GP, and before that a psychotherapist helping professional women make big life transitions. So she's lived this transformation thing from every angle - and her insights about the 'golden cage' we keep ourselves in, and why it's okay to choose joy, are going to hit home for a lot of you. https://www.leiladavis.com/ Instagram leila_davis_ceramics   Thank you for listening  Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Music by Sound Designer Erin Krejany https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-krejany-186829355 e.krejany@gmail.com      Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    57 min

  7. 17 Mar

    Shift Stirrers - Gray Tham never stay small and back your self

    Send us Fan Mail Grey Tham is a photographer, a storyteller, a champion of women and the owner and principal photographer behind Simply Grey.   Thank you for listening Speakover only Logo in place Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ https://michellebenson.com.au/   https://www.instagram.com/rosemarypattisonart/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_benson_art/   Gray’s Links https://www.simplygray.com.au/wise-women-2026   Ashburton Stories: A history of the Melbourne suburb by Sarah Craze Ashburton is home to tenacious and determined residents, fiercely independent retailers and sports enthusiasts determined to find a drink in a notoriously dry area. A Melbourne suburb of great contrasts, Ashburton’s colourful, eclectic and occasionally dark history is now brought to life through the stories of its residents and institutions. Sarah Craze holds a PhD in history from the university of Melbourne. She has lived with her family in Ashburton since 2009.   Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    57 min

  8. 3 Mar

    Shift Stirrers - Unlocking Creativity - Catherine Deveny

    Send us Fan Mail Unlocking Creativity In this engaging conversation, Catherine Deveny shares her insights on the transformative power of writing and creativity. She discusses her experiences running writing retreats, the importance of giving oneself permission to create, and the shift from being a writer to facilitating the creativity of others. Catherine emphasizes the significance of community, the ripple effect of creative expression, and practical steps for aspiring writers. She also reflects on her personal journey, including overcoming challenges and embracing her identity as a writer. takeaways Creativity has been hijacked by capitalism and societal expectations.Writing retreats can lead to profound personal transformations.People often need to give themselves permission to create.The shift from being a writer to facilitating others is natural.Everyone is a writer if they write.Creative communities foster authentic connections.Taking time for oneself is essential for creativity.Aha moments often revolve around self-acceptance and permission.Practical steps can help overcome creative blocks.Embracing differences can turn perceived flaws into strengths.Thank you so much for listening to The Shift Stirrers podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that follow button so you'll get notified whenever we release new content. We'd love to hear from you—feel free to reach out at theshiftstirrers@gmail.com, or you can find our individual email addresses and websites in the show notes below. We love questions. You can also connect with us on Instagram @shiftstirrers. If you found value in today's conversation, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave us a review or rating on your podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Until next time, keep stirring things up. Ah just a quick disclaimer - Michelle and Rosemary are not experts in any of the discussions today. We present this podcast in the interest of getting curious about change. You can purchase Rosemary's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FS275RHJ Our other contacts  theshiftstirrers@gmail.com rosemarypattison@gmail.com  info@michellebenson.com.au   https://rosemarypattisonart.com/ ...

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Has there been a time in your life when you wanted to make changes?  If you're changing something about your vocation and passion we are the podcast to help motivate you. Our focus is on interviewing people who have made  life changing transitions

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Benson And Rosemary Pattison
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shift Stirrers
  • Show Website
    Shift Stirrers