The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast

Swinburne University of Technology
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Welcome to the Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast presented by the Swinburne Professional Staff Network (SPSN) and hosted by Kristy Horne & Nicola Howard. (Previously named: The Podcast Professionals with Kristy & Ash). “The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast with Kristy & Nic” is created and produced by Professional Staff for ALL Swinburne Staff. This podcast is your backstage pass to the incredible staff experiences within our vibrant University. Join us as we dive into inspiring conversations, sharing stories that connect us all. Tune in and be part of the SPSN Podcast experience and thank you for listening!

  1. Jun 4

    Episode 31: Kristy's Farewell Episode and the Exciting Journey Ahead for the SPSN Podcast

    In this special final episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, Kristy & Nic reflect on an incredible journey that began in 2021 during the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns and grew into a much-loved platform for connection, storytelling, and community across Swinburne. As Episode 31 marks Kristy’s final appearance as producer and co-host, they look back on how the podcast evolved from The Podcast Professionals with Kristy & Ash, and how it became a space that helped recreate those everyday conversations and human moments that were missing during remote work. Together they revisit standout guest conversations, memorable moments with colleagues from across Swinburne and Sarawak, and the many stories that have highlighted the warmth, humour, and depth of the Swinburne community. Kristy and Nic also reflect on the impact the podcast has had beyond each episode, from inspiring new staff podcasters to contributing to initiatives like the Swinburne Podcast Showcase and including this podcast on Swinburne Radio. Kristy shares her next chapter as she prepares to leave Swinburne, including her continued passion for podcasting across other projects such as Research for Social Impact, The Killer Storyteller, and Two Cousins One Chat. Nic pays tribute to Kristy’s leadership, creativity, and energy, and shares her commitment to continuing the podcast’s legacy into its next chapter. So stay tuned for more information here! As they sign off, they thank each and every guest and listeners for being part of the journey and for helping shape a podcast built on connection, storytelling, and community. Grab your tissues....yes there are a few tears and lots of laughter too! As always Thank You for listening ❤️Kristy and Nic

    Episode 31: Kristy's Farewell Episode and the Exciting Journey Ahead for the SPSN Podcast

  2. 12/19/2025

    Episode 30: 2025 End of Year Wrap ️

    In this special end-of-year episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Network Podcast, Kristy & Nic celebrate a major milestone, Episode 30 and they take time to reflect on a big year of conversations, connection, and community across Swinburne.Looking back on 2025, they revisit standout moments from the podcast, including powerful discussions on accessibility, international celebrations marking Sarawak’s 25-year anniversary, community stories with Mai and Selena, and a dynamic panel featuring placement students working as professional staff. They also reflect on the evolving purpose of SPSN and the podcast’s role in amplifying professional staff voices while bringing all Swinburne staff together.Kristy shares her personal highlights from the year, from recording the Sarawak celebration episode and Nic reflects on the impact of student-led episodes and the exciting career pathways that have followed for those involved.There’s also BIG NEWS for the podcast, with The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast officially joining Swinburne Radio, thanks to the support of Peter Mercarto, and also a sneak peek at what’s lined up for 2026.As the year comes to a close, we both extend our best wishes to all listeners and invite staff from across the university to get in touch and be part of future episodes.Thank you so much for your ongoing support and for listening, see you in 2026 xo Kristy and Nicola#SwinburneSpirit #ProfessionalStaff #PodcastCommunityListen now on Apple Podcasts, the Swinburne Commons YouTube channel, the Swinburne Commons site and now on Swinburne Radio!

    Episode 30: 2025 End of Year Wrap ️

  3. 10/29/2025 ·  Video

    Episode 29: Inside Swinburne: Students as Staff

    In this special episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, hosts Kristy and Nic are joined by a panel of Swinburne students who are also employees or completing professional placements at Swinburne. Tune in to hear their unique stories, experiences and what it’s like for students to be a part of what goes on behind the scenes across the university. Thanks for listening.Created by:Kristy Horne: HostNicola Howard: HostRohan Gerrard: ProducerEmily Grech: Guest Student, EIX Junior Designer, ProducerCharlotte Dyer: Guest Professional Placement Student, ProducerChristina Hatzis: Guest Professional Placement StudentTessa Mordue: Guest Professional Placement StudentAaryan Bhati: Guest Professional Placement StudentThaddeus Shu: Guest Professional Placement StudentMia Leang: Guest Professional Placement StudentListen now on Apple Podcasts, the Swinburne Commons YouTube channel, or the Swinburne Commons site.

    Episode 29: Inside Swinburne: Students as Staff

  4. 06/03/2025

    Episode 28: Campus Community and Connection with Mai Nguyen, Café Gomez

    In this heartwarming episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Network Podcast, Kristy and Nic sit down with a true campus icon, Mai Nguyen, owner of Café Gomez. On location over coffee and a few treats! From Mai’s early days setting up shop to the quiet halls of lockdown and now a buzzing new (temporary) location, Mai shares what it’s really like to serve up connection and caffeine every day. Discover how Gomez Café became more than just a place for coffee, it’s the heartbeat of Hawthorn campus, where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and every order comes with a smile. “The café is so much more than just a place to grab coffee - it’s a real meeting place, a community hub.” - Kristy, on the role of Café Gomez ☕ Come for the coffee, stay for the community. From lattes to laughter, discover how Café Gomez became a Swinburne institution. #SwinburneSpirit #CampusCommunity Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or the Swinburne Commons site.

    Episode 28: Campus Community and Connection with Mai Nguyen, Café Gomez

  5. 05/14/2025

    Episode 27: Celebrating 25 Years of Swinburne Sarawak Campus

    Celebrate 25 Years of Swinburne Sarawak on the SPSN Podcast! In this special milestone episode of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast, hosts Kristy and Nic are joined by Swinburne Sarawak pioneers Professor Sim Kwan Yong and Caroline Hon. From humble beginnings in a garden shed to becoming a vibrant international campus with over 4000 students and 10,000 alumni — this episode is a heartfelt look at legacy, leadership, and the power of community. Don’t miss this inspiring milestone conversation with our Sarawak colleagues.Thanks so much for listening.Kristy & Nic

    Episode 27: Celebrating 25 Years of Swinburne Sarawak Campus

  6. 04/15/2025

    Episode 26: Easter "OB" Special Edition with Kristy and Nic

    It’s a special edition of The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast with Kristy & Nic! This time, we’re taking the mics to the Learning Circles and testing out a new recording space and sharing updates from around campus.Here’s what’s in store in Episode 26:Easter reflections and how to make the most of the breakA fresh take on professional development (hello ELMO training!)Exciting upcoming guestsA sneak peek at our Sarawak episode celebrating 25 yearsAnd of course, Hot Laps—why it’s more than just a walkGot feedback or want to feature on a future episode? Drop us a line on Viva Engage—we’d love to hear from you! Have a wonderful break and see you soon!Thanks for listening,Kristy & Nicola

    Episode 26: Easter "OB" Special Edition with Kristy and Nic

  7. 03/17/2025

    Episode 25: A Conversation on Accessibility, Equity, and Inclusion at Swinburne

    Join hosts Kristy and Nic as they dive into an insightful conversation about accessibility, equity, and inclusion at Swinburne. In this episode, we speak with Lauren Carter and Dr. Aurora Elmes from the Swinburne Accessibility Network to explore what true accessibility means, why it matters, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive university environment. From practical ways to create accessible workplaces to the power of inclusive design and the impact of the new Disabled Equity Action Plan (DEAP), this episode is packed with valuable insights. Discover real-life examples of accessibility in action, learn simple changes that can make a big difference, and hear how Swinburne staff and students are leading the charge toward a more equitable future.

    Episode 25: A Conversation on Accessibility, Equity, and Inclusion at Swinburne

  8. 02/09/2025

    Episode 24: Kicking off 2025: New Roles, Time Management and Exciting Plans!

    Kristy & Nic are back to ease into 2025 with a check-in on how the year is shaping up! Nic shares updates on her new role and what’s ahead, while Kristy opens up about adjusting to a three-day work week and how she’s managing the workload. We also chat about Hot Laps attendance, the latest from the Thursday Breakfast Club (spoiler: the Kmart microwave toastie maker is a game changer!), and upcoming plans for Swinburne Radio and International Women’s Day. Plus, we give a sneak peek at our next episode with Lauren Carter and Aurora Elmes on accessibility best practices. Tune in for an engaging chat and connect with us on Viva Engage! Listen on Apple Podcasts, the Swinburne Commons YouTube channel, and the Swinburne Commons site. Plus, you can now find us on the Great Australian Podcast Directory—coming soon to SwinRadio!Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening!Kristy & Nic

    Episode 24: Kicking off 2025: New Roles, Time Management and Exciting Plans!
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About

Welcome to the Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast presented by the Swinburne Professional Staff Network (SPSN) and hosted by Kristy Horne & Nicola Howard. (Previously named: The Podcast Professionals with Kristy & Ash). “The Swinburne Professional Staff Podcast with Kristy & Nic” is created and produced by Professional Staff for ALL Swinburne Staff. This podcast is your backstage pass to the incredible staff experiences within our vibrant University. Join us as we dive into inspiring conversations, sharing stories that connect us all. Tune in and be part of the SPSN Podcast experience and thank you for listening!

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