The Buzz with Bernadette

Bernadette Maree

The Buzz with Bernadette gives successful women a voice. Hosted by Perth-based media personality Bernadette Maree, this podcast features honest, in-depth conversations with entrepreneurial women who didn’t give up — women who’ve built careers, businesses, and influence through resilience, reinvention, and persistence. With a strong focus on Perth and Australian success stories, The Buzz shines a light on the realities behind achievement, the setbacks no one posts about, and the moments that changed everything.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    From 90s Hip-Hop Icons to Motorsport & Rave Brunches: The Evolution of Demelza Leonard

    Welcome back to another episode of The Buzz with Bernadette! This week, we are coming to you straight from the incredible Active Wellness Spa in Victoria Park, sitting down with an absolute staple of the Perth media scene—Demelza Leonard. If you grew up in Perth, you probably know her as ‘Tha Diva’ from Groove 101.7fm or remember her iconic work with *Xpress Magazine*. For over 20 years, Demelza has been navigating the highs, lows, and relentless hustle of the creative industry. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her legendary vault of 90s and 2000s urban music interviews, uncovering what it was really like sitting down with some of the biggest names in hip-hop before the era of digital gatekeeping. We discuss the raw energy of 90s radio, the stories she’s never told publicly, and the reality of keeping physical artifacts from a bygone era of music journalism.But Demelza is someone who has constantly evolved. We explore her fascinating pivot into the world of motorsport as the face of the WA Sporting Car Club championships, and her current work as a pop culture marketer and high-level UGC creator. We also get into the real talk: how she manages the mental load of motherhood alongside the creative grind, knowing when to kill a project to start something new, and the massive success of her latest venture, *Rave and Brunch*, which sold over 100 tickets at its debut event. Whether you are a media veteran, an aspiring creative, or just someone who loves a brilliant story of reinvention, Demelza drops some of the most genuine, no-nonsense advice you will hear all year. Make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let us know your favorite part of the interview in the comments!**In this episode, we cover: *** Unseen stories from interviewing massive 90s and 2000s hip-hop icons* The truth behind the ‘Tha Diva’ persona and the raw energy of 90s radio* Navigating the pivot from music journalism to the WA Sporting Car Club* The realities of the creative grind, motherhood, and staying relevant* The birth and booming success of her new event series, *Rave and Brunch Connect with Us: Host: Bernadette Maree | [@bernadette_maree](https://instagram.com/bernadette_maree) | [@bmediaperth](https://instagram.com/bmediaperth) | [bernadettemaree.com.au](https://bernadettemaree.com.au)* **Guest:** Demelza Leonard * **Venue Sponsor:** Active Wellness Spa, Victoria Park* New episodes of The Buzz with Bernadette drop every Wednesday! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

    53 min
  2. 7 APR

    Episode 70: Finding the Light After the Shadow with Rebecca Rose

    [Note: This episode of The Buzz touches on Rebecca’s childhood experiences with physical and mental abuse. We keep it real and hopeful, but please look after yourself while listening.] In this episode of The Buzz with Bernadette, I’m sitting down with the incredible Rebecca Rose. While Rebecca’s story starts in a really tough place—navigating a childhood shaped by an abusive father—this conversation is actually one of the most inspiring ones I’ve had lately. We aren't just looking at the past; we’re looking at how Rebecca Rose took those experiences and turned them into a life of resilience and grace. It’s a raw, honest, and surprisingly uplifting chat about finding your own voice when the world tries to quiet it. Inside this episode: Rebecca’s Story: Growing up in the shadows and finding the way out. The Turning Point: How she reclaimed her mental health and her identity. Choosing Joy: Why healing doesn't mean you can't have a "nice" life afterward! Real Talk: Navigating family trauma with a sense of perspective. If you’re looking for a story about the power of the human spirit (and a bit of that classic Rebecca Rose spark), you’re in the right place. Connect with The Buzz: Hit Subscribe to join our community. Follow us on socials to keep the conversation going. If you found Rebecca’s story as moving as I did, please leave us a review! #TheBuzzWithBernadette #RebeccaRose #Resilience #Survivor #Healing #AussiePodcasts

    1hr 6min
  3. 17 FEB

    Episode 65. From Kitchen Table to $500K Months | Charlie Bell on Building Seacycle Swim

    On the Buzz with Bernadette we spotlight women who have built success their own way.In this episode of The Buzz with Bernadette, I sit down with Charlie Bell, founder of Seacycle Swim & Resort, the Perth-based swim and resort wear brand that’s quietly taken over wardrobes across Australia.What started at a Melbourne kitchen table during the pandemic, sewing face masks after her 15-year recruitment career collapsed overnight, has evolved into a fast-growing fashion label selling out online in hours and clocking close to half a million dollars in sales in a single month.Charlie shares the real story behind Seacycle Swim & Resort:• Losing her business when borders closed• Launching Little Masketeers during the face mask mandate• Falling in love with e-commerce and the addictive “cha-ching” of Shopify sales• Being locked out of Australia and spending months in the US and Bali• Designing every print herself• Committing to recycled swim fabrics and premium linen from day one• Moving her family to Perth for lifestyle• Building a brand without ever missing a school drop-offWe talk about quality, growth, motherhood, scaling a product-based business, and what success actually looks like when you refuse to sacrifice time with your kids.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, fashion startups, Australian swimwear brands, women in business, or building an online e-commerce brand from scratch, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs.New episodes weekly.

    42 min

About

The Buzz with Bernadette gives successful women a voice. Hosted by Perth-based media personality Bernadette Maree, this podcast features honest, in-depth conversations with entrepreneurial women who didn’t give up — women who’ve built careers, businesses, and influence through resilience, reinvention, and persistence. With a strong focus on Perth and Australian success stories, The Buzz shines a light on the realities behind achievement, the setbacks no one posts about, and the moments that changed everything.