Wait, You Do What?

Mel Loy

Behind the seemingly 'normal' lives of the people around us, there are often weird and wonderful double lives that we know nothing about.  This podcast brings those stories out of the suburbs and into the light, as we explore the sometimes wacky, sometimes confusing, and often-heartwarming hobbies people have, and why they got interested in the first place. The Queensland-based teacher who took up curling ... the suburban mum who by day is an Executive Assistant, and on weekends shoots pistols ... or the surgeon who saves lives then risks his own going basejumping ... these are just a few of the stories you'll hear, and maybe even be inspired by. Life is short, after all, so why not do the thing that you're curious about? Hosted by Mel Loy, a woman who knows the weird and wonderful hobby well! Aside from her 'day job' running a communications agency, Mel also has picked up a bunch of hobbies along the way, like crocheting, learning Spanish, ballet classes, and teaching group fitness and yoga. 

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 5: Kerri and Model Horses

    Did you know a single model horse once sold at auction for 20,000 USD? In this episode, we chat with Kerri — a professional show dog photographer from the Barossa Valley in South Australia — about her other passion: collecting model horses. Kerri has been at it since 1997 and has around 200 horses in a dedicated model room at home. She takes us into a hobby that’s far more creative, community-driven, and valuable than you’d ever expect. In this episode, you'll find out: How Kerri caught the collecting bug while heavily pregnant at the Royal Adelaide Show in 1997 — and bought her first Breyer model on the spotHer biggest regret ... selling the Phar Lap replica that now fetches up to $1,500. She’s still not over it.Yes, model horse shows are a real thing — complete with breed classes, tiny hand-stitched saddles, and miniature roping scenesThe Horse’s Arse Trophy: what it is, who wins it, and why Kerri is quietly proud of her winWhy this hobby is as much a creative outlet and mental health break as it is a collectionFind out more: search ‘AIMHC’ or ‘Breyer Model Horses Australia’ on Facebook — but be warned, you will go down a rabbit hole. Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action. You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram. Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

    35 min

  2. May 24

    Episode 4: Cathryn and Collage

    What happens when a graphic designer, business coach, and art lover commits to making one collage every single day for a year? Cathryn Lloyd is a Brisbane-based creative facilitator, coach, and collage artist with a background in graphic design from the Queensland College of Art. As founder of Maverick Minds, she helps teams think more creatively through what she calls “artful inquiry” — bringing arts-based approaches into business environments. In this episode, she talks to Melanie about the hobby that keeps her sane: collage. In 2022, Cathryn committed to making one postcard-sized collage every single day for a year, using only materials she already had at home — a constraint she embraced wholeheartedly as a self-described “brickler” who loves making do with what’s at hand. Each piece was accompanied by a short written story, capturing life as it unfolded: the Brisbane floods, beach flotsam, even the guilt of buying avocados in plastic netting. By the halfway point the body of work had taken on a life of its own, and in 2023 she held an exhibition of all 365 pieces to a wonderful public response. The project also fed directly into her professional life — she’s since turned her collage imagery into facilitation and coaching card decks used with corporate teams. Cathryn and Mel also explore why adults forget how to play, the meditative joy of cutting and tearing paper, and the quietly booming world of collage (yes, World Collage Day is a thing). If you’ve ever thought about trying a creative hobby but kept putting it off, this episode is a warm and practical nudge to just start.  Connect with Cathryn: Website:  maverickminds.com.au Instagram: @maverickminds1 and @cathrynlloydart.Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action. You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram. Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

    32 min

  3. May 17

    Episode 3: Matt and Metal Detecting

    Treasury, Trash, and Tiffany Rings: The Wild World of Beach Detecting with Matt James Ever wondered what really lies beneath the sand at your local beach? Hint: It’s not just broken seashells and seaweed! In this episode, we chat with Matthew James, an insurance client manager and reptile enthusiast from the NSW Central Coast who picked up a secondhand metal detector at a pawn shop for a bit of "therapy" and accidentally became a local legend.  Matt takes us inside the fascinating, tightly-knit community of Aussie detectorists. He shares how a casual hobby turned into a high-stakes, 3:00 AM "emergency response service" for frantic beachgoers who have lost everything from wedding bands to car keys.  What we dive into: The Thrill of the Unknown: Why digging up 100 bottle caps is completely worth it when you finally strike gold (or find a 1940s radio dial!). The Race Against the Tide: The heartwarming story of a 2-hour hunt to rescue a 10-year-old girl’s lost Pandora bracelet right before the ocean swallowed it up. Matt’s Backyard Museum: A peek inside his shed filled with pre-decimal pennies, mystery steel pipes, and an unclaimed Tiffany & Co. ring. Pirates vs. Angels: The strict ethical code of true detectorists and how they protect lost items from "beach pirates". Double Trouble Easter: How Matt recovered two different rings worth thousands of dollars in the space of just 90 minutes. Whether you’re curious about upgrading from an Aldi machine to a serious rig, want to know how a simple coffee trade works, or just love a feel-good community story, this episode will have you itching to scan the shoreline!   Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action. You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram. Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

    32 min

  4. May 10

    Episode 2: Karen and Sports Shooting

    In this episode of Wait, You Do What?, host Mel Loy explores a hobby that is definitely a far cry from the corporate world.  Meet Karen (or Kaz), an executive assistant and mother of three who recently discovered that she is a total natural with a rifle.   What started as a mission to ensure firearm safety in her home turned into an "exhilarating and thrilling" obsession. Karen breaks down the stereotypes of the shooting range, revealing it’s less about "action movie" chaos and more about "yoga-like" focus and OCD-friendly precision.  In this episode, we’re talking: The Accidental Sharpshooter: How a 50-year-old "lady with no real interests" found her jam.  Safety First (Always): Why Karen, a self-proclaimed stickler for rules, feels this is the safest sport out there.  The "Zen" of the Range: Forget the noise—Karen explains the breathing, the rhythm, and the "disconnecting" from the daily grind.  Chickens vs. Turkeys: A look at "Silhouettes" and why those tiny metal turkeys are the ultimate nemesis.  Blinging Out the Scope: How Karen and her friends are bringing inclusion, community, and even a little bit of "bling" to the regional Queensland shooting scene.Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action. You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram. Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

    25 min

  5. May 3

    Episode 1: Gilbert and Litter Picking

    Discover how one man's passion for litter picking is transforming his community and inspiring others to take action Meet Gilbert, a local hero with an unusual hobby that’s making a big impact. On Wait, You Do What?, host Mel Loy explores the inspiring story of Gilbert, whose dedication to litter picking is not only cleaning up his neighborhood but also fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility. In this episode, Mel delves into Gilbert's journey and uncovers how his simple yet powerful actions are redefining what it means to be a community leader. Through heartfelt conversations, you'll learn how one person's passion can spark change and encourage others to join in. We explore: Gilbert's motivations and the surprising joy he finds in litter pickingThe ripple effect of his actions on community pride and environmental awarenessHow sharing this hobby has built stronger, more connected neighborhoodsThe emotional highs and lows of turning a simple act into a movementPractical tips for starting your own community initiative and making a differenceWhy does this matter? In a world where small actions often go unnoticed, Gilbert's story shows how embracing a unique passion can lead to meaningful change. His commitment to litter picking not only beautifies the environment but also inspires others to take pride in their surroundings and contribute to a cleaner, greener world. Perfect for anyone looking to make a positive impact, this episode will motivate you to find your own way to contribute to your community. Tune in and discover how a simple hobby can lead to extraordinary results. Join us — your next inspiration might just be a piece of litter away. Mel Loy is a storyteller, community enthusiast, and host of this insightful exploration into the power of individual passions. She’s dedicated to highlighting stories that connect people and inspire action. You can connect with Mel on LinkedIn and Instagram. Do you have a weird or wonderful hobby, or do you know someone who does? Then get in touch! Email hello@cuttlefish.group.

    27 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Behind the seemingly 'normal' lives of the people around us, there are often weird and wonderful double lives that we know nothing about.  This podcast brings those stories out of the suburbs and into the light, as we explore the sometimes wacky, sometimes confusing, and often-heartwarming hobbies people have, and why they got interested in the first place. The Queensland-based teacher who took up curling ... the suburban mum who by day is an Executive Assistant, and on weekends shoots pistols ... or the surgeon who saves lives then risks his own going basejumping ... these are just a few of the stories you'll hear, and maybe even be inspired by. Life is short, after all, so why not do the thing that you're curious about? Hosted by Mel Loy, a woman who knows the weird and wonderful hobby well! Aside from her 'day job' running a communications agency, Mel also has picked up a bunch of hobbies along the way, like crocheting, learning Spanish, ballet classes, and teaching group fitness and yoga. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mel Loy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wait, You Do What?
  • Show Website
    Wait, You Do What?