The Shed Wireless

Season 5, Episode 2: Are You Bogged Mate? founder Mary O’Brien joins JPY as our special guest. John learns there’s a lot Men’s Sheds and Are You Bogged Mate? have in common – we know it’s important for blokes to get together to connect, to have a community of support and to have a few good mates that make it all worthwhile. On the Tools is in the garden with Sabrina Hahn. You might recognise the voice behind the mic from elsewhere on the airwaves. Sabrina’s got some great tips for getting your hands dirty during autumn. Shedder in the Spotlight Max Wood joined the Leongatha Men’s Shed (VIC) on the proviso that he didn’t have much time to commit to being part of running the shed. Well as the story has it, he’s been the president at the shed for about 8 years. Though he’s seen some trials and tribulations, Max’s sense of humour has got him through. We’re On The Road with Ken Newton, Chair of the Australian Caravan Club. Ken’s got a wealth of experience behind him when it comes to recreation vehicles, and some helpful information and great tips for both first timers and experienced grey nomads. AMSA’s Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance has his finger On The Pulse of hearing in the shed. Stuart spoke to Soundfair CEO Caitlin Barr about making shed environments friendlier for members with hearing loss. And Rip, well he’s getting musical!

Season 5, Episode 1: JPY is back behind the mic for another season of The Shed Wireless. Shedder in the Spotlight is one of the founders of the world’s first community shed for men. We spoke to Maxine Chaseling about the inspiration behind The Shed at Goolwa Heritage Club. David Helmers joins JPY as our special guest. As Executive Officer of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, David’s seen behind the scenes of Sheds for many years. On The Tools is back in the kitchen with Adrian Richardson. Richo and Marty are cooking up a storm. We know it, but even the science says so – Men’s Sheds are good for your health. We’ve got our finger On The Pulse of Men’s Sheds and men’s health with men’s health expert and AMSA patron, Emeritus Professor John Macdonald. Butch has been back On The Road, and Rip Woodchip has been digging into some life lessons!

Episode 5 (season 5): We’re rounding out Season 4 with a bit of reflection, and of course some Christmas trimmings. Our special guest is Aussie singer and song-writing legend, Russell Morris. JPY and Russell talk rhythm, growing old and the great outdoors. Butch has been On The Road in the Northern Territory, fishing (avoiding sharks) at Dundee Beach. On the Tools we’re in the kitchen with the secret to perfect crackling. Marty caught up with chef Adrian ‘Richo’ Richardson for a few Christmas cooking tips and boy you’re in for a treat! Did you know having mates is good for your heart? In Ask the Doc AMSA’s Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance and Professor Allan Jackson from the Australian Centre for Heart Health are talking matters of the heart. And our mate Rip Woodchip signs us off for Christmas.

Episode 4 (season 4): Our special guest is 2022 Senior Australian of the Year, Valmai Dempsey. Val is an incredible human, this year recognised for 50 years of service with St John Ambulance and so much more. Shed in the Spotlight is a young shed making a big impact. Gidgegannup Men’s Shed President Bruce and JPY chat about the shed born out of devastating fires and their most recent recognition in the 2022 Resilient Australia Awards. Butch and JPY are back On The Road heading north for a spot of fishing. Are your eyes bigger than your belly? Pick up a few tips on tweaking your plate in Ask The Doc. AMSA’s Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance caught up with Uncle Tobys Nutrition Ambassador Kathleen Alleaume on making better nutrition decisions. And Rip Woodchip nails it again, with another of his philosophical musings.

Episode 3 (season 4): JPY caught up with special guest Ross Wilson backstage at Hamer Hall. They covered his musical roots to Daddy Cool, and what he gets up to these days (including of course what you might find in his shed!). Spring is here so we’re in the garden with blogger Mark Valencia from Self Sufficient Me. Check out Mark’s YouTube Channel here. Our Shed in the Spotlight was the site of the launch for the Men’s Sheds Bat for Will project a few months back. JPY chats with Dave Clarke from Willo’s Men’s Shed in Willaston, South Australia. What do you know about Autism? AMSA’s Stuart Torrance asks Dr Darren Hedley about Autism beyond childhood. And Rip Woodchip is giving away his spare parts.

Men’s Shed Week Special Episode: Did you know there are over 2,500 Men’s Sheds in 12 countries? A humble little idea from regional Australia is now an international phenomenon saving lives and building better communities. This short and sweet Men’s Shed Week episode is celebrating a now global village, doing an incredible amount of local good. Our special guest is AMSA Patron and Shed Historian Professor Barry Golding AM. We’ve been on the road for an insight into the first Men’s Shed in the United States, Honolulu Men’s Shed. And a little closer to home, Marion from Rockhampton Men’s Shed drops in for Shed in the Spotlight.

Episode 2 (season 4): Our special guest is Karl Kruszelnicki (who you might know better as “Dr Karl”). A man well known for his amazing depth and breadth of knowledge when it comes to all things science, Karl and JPY had a chat about life, the planet and, of course, his shed. Our Shedder in the Spotlight is a centenarian shedder with a fascinating life story – a choir boy, a prisoner of war, an all-round top bloke. JPY caught up with Bill Hallett from Pottsville and District Men’s Shed. On The Road Butch and JPY are cooking their catch and tantalizing your taste buds. Losing bladder or bowel control when you don’t mean to can be an embarrassing topic, but it’s very real for more than a million Aussie blokes. We don’t shy away from taboo topics on The Shed Wireless so AMSA’s Stuart Torrance invited A/Prof Craig Allingham on for an Ask the Doc chat about incontinence. On the Tools we’re working with resin. And Rip Woodchip is feeling his age.

Men’s Health Week Special Episode: If this episode brings anything up for you please reach out for help immediately. Lifeline is a 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention service. Call on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au
Us blokes can be a bit lacklustre when it comes to being proactive about our health and wellbeing. Our special Men’s Health Week edition of The Shed Wireless brings you conversations about breaking down the barriers to seeking help. If you were a rugby league fan in the 70’s and 80’s you might remember the name Wayne Wigham. These days Wayne’s career has taken him from the footy field to Black Dog Institute as a speaker and educator. Wayne and JPY have an honest chat about men, mental health and seeking help. In Ask the Doc AMSA Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance and Healthy Male’s A/Prof Tim Moss discuss five barriers that prevent men from seeking information and support when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

Episode 1 (season 4): The Shed Wireless is back for another season with JPY at the helm, and it’s packed with entertainment for all Shedders. Our Shed in the Spotlight is taking to the waves. JPY spent some time at the Lake Macquarie Classic Boatshed. JPY’s special guest knows all about blokes and their sheds… Aussie country music magnate John Williamson dropped by for a bit of nostalgia. Butch is back and chatting all things outdoors and on the road. In Ask the Doc AMSA’s Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance and Healthy Male’s Prof Rob McLachlan are getting to the bottom of a few myths about testosterone. On the Tools is a special one for train enthusiasts. Marty chats with the blokes from Coffs Coast Railway Modellers. And Rip Woodchip is watching the world go by.

Episode 10 (season 3): JPY is celebrating 10 episodes behind the podcast mic, going back to Toronto Men’s Shed (ep 1) where he chats with his mate Sarge. In Ask the Doc Professor Rob McLachlan and Stuart Torrance have invited University of Tasmania dementia expert Professor James Vickers for a chat about when and what is worth investigating when it comes to signs of dementia. Definitely one to tune into! What’s your fishing outfit like? In Fishing with Butch we talk about a basic kit for throwing a line in all around Australia. Shed in the Spotlight ventures into the art of the sausage sanga with Andy Bryson from the Veterans Support Group Men’s Shed in Nerang (Qld). On the Tools Marty has taken to the road and found a rare but clever contraption at Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed. And we couldn’t keep him away if we tried, Rip drops by with an invitation to Christmas lunch.

Episode 9 (season 3):  Shedders in the Spotlight John Kennis and James McMaster (Robertson Men’s Shed NSW) join us to talk about a community partnership restoring cricket bats, and in particular one very special bat on its way to the Governor General’s own Admiralty House. On The Tools we’re talking to a serious metal lathe guru. Mal Conomy’s retirement hobby fashioning Hercus lathe spare parts has him busier than in his working life. In Ask-the-Doc we hear from an exercise physiologist about the importance of keeping your balance into older age. A spot of fishing with Butch, and Rip Woodchip drops by with his musings on mates. And, is your shed the best worst shed in Australia? Fair Dinkum Builds is on the lookout and there’s some pretty great prizes up for grabs.

Episode 8 (season 3): Get some tool sharpening tips from a specialist who fears this knowledge is at risk of being lost as time goes on. We Ask-the-Doc featuring Professor Rob McLachlan from Healthy Male about male baldness. Daryl Braithwaite is JPY’s special guest. Rip Woodchip is feeling nostalgic on the eve of his wedding anniversary. We’re back fishing with Butch. He and JPY are passionate as ever about their second favourite pastime. How organised is your Shed? For some Aussie sheds, getting organised (or at least trying to) has been a fabulous lockdown challenge. Our Shed-in-the-Spotlight is Albany Shed. Just hit play ▶️ to get started!

Episode 7 (season 3): 3D printing is a hot topic in sheds everywhere. JPY is joined by two Shedders from different parts of the continent who’ll explain what it is, and how to get started. Our Shedder in the spotlight has some fascinating projects underway. But his wife doesn’t see things the same way he does when it comes to ‘pride of place’. We’ve come up with a list of top 3 tech tips for Shedders. Especially useful if you’re in lockdown. How well do you know your prostate? In Ask-the-Doc we’ve got you covered! It’s a fascinating discussion we’ll call Prostate 101. A spot of fishing with Butch never goes astray and neither does a laugh with Rip Woodchip. Rip’s been looking in the mirror at his receding hairline.

Episode 6 (season 3): You’ll hear from a Shedder who had COVID-19 and thought he was a goner. There’s an easy home shed project that’s perfect for lockdown and the native bees will love it too. Our bonus Shedder in the spotlight has been working to restore an old Melbourne tram. And in Ask-the-doc we investigate ‘man boobs’!

Episode 5 (season 3) June 2021: Where to start with woodturning, and other Shed talk. Special guests Leo Sayer and AMSA Chairman Paul Sladdin. Ask-the-doc on cholesterol. Fishing with Butch. Shedder in the Spotlight and more.

Episode 4 (season 3) June 2021

Episode 3 (season 3) May 2021

Episode 2 (season 3) April 2021

Episode 1 (season 3)  March 2021

THE SHED WIRELESS Christmas special 2020

It’s the wireless you would listen to if you were in the shed. Or wanted some brilliant holiday listening!

• That gang’s all here. The Shed Wireless team has come together for a virtual, socially-distanced, COVID-safe, alcohol-free, occupational-health-and-safety approved, low-fat, high-fibre, audio-only Christmas party.
• We’ll be joined by superstar actor Michael Caton and legendary Australian pop star John Paul Young.
• The Doc picks his favourite Rip Woodchip rant.
• Stu picks his favourite Ask the Doc.
• Rip re-visits Raymond Terrace Community Shed’s stories.
• And Aaron selects his most cherished chat with Stu.
• There are some special Christmas messages and we capture the essence of 2020.

Hosted by Aaron Kearney OAM.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |Episode 10

It’s the wireless you would listen to if you were in the shed. Or wanted to hear the latest surprise hit song!

• “Short, fat, tall, skinny, hairy, bald, in the Shed it’s welcome one and all.” We debut the brand new Australian Men’s Shed Association jingle and it’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head.
• The genius behind the jingle is none other than the legendary Australian pop star John Paul Young. He has gone into business with his equally talented son — in their shed — and we drop by for a yarn with the dynamic duo.
• We’re off to the nation’s capital to hear about rocking horse restoration and the Belconnen Men’s Shed.
• Those monkey-farming grassholes Rip and Stuart have a few choice words about swearing.
• Plus we Ask the Doc about carrots, losing your license and eyesight.

All that and much more ahead in this episode of the Shed Wireless. Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Executive Officer of the Australian Men’s Shed Association David Helmers. Email us at theshedwireless@mensshed.net

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |Episode 9

It’s the wireless you would listen to if you were in the shed. Or at the game…

• He went from a country town to a coal mine and was headed to the Olympics. Beloved sports broadcaster and mental health advocate Craig Hamilton talks about the new abnormal.
• From sawmills to windmills — meet the colourful team from Port Sorrell Men’s Shed in Tasmania.
• We ask the Doc about taking control of irritability.
• Checking on checks — Stuart takes on the hungry beast of health checks.

All that and much more in this episode of the Shed Wireless. Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Executive Officer of the Australian Men’s Shed Association David Helmers. Email us at theshedwireless@mensshed.net

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |Episode 8

It’s the wireless you’d listen to if you were in the Shed. Or at a fair dinkum barbie…

• You know it makes sense – the straight-talking “Lambassador” and controversial social and football commentator Sam Kekovich is our special guest.
• We catch up with our Shedding brothers in the USA.
• Do you live for hi-vis or think it is a big joke? We talk about attitudes to safety.
• Do not fear the beige bananas. We Ask the Doc about the realities of hearing loss.

All that and much more ahead in this episode of The Shed Wireless. Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Australian Men’s Shed Association Chairman Paul Sladdin.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 7

It’s the wireless you’d listen to if you were in the Shed. Or if you wanted to be champion…

• He loves youse all (!) but one of the toughest men ever who walked is only here because he has a piece of pig inserted in his chest. Boxing great Jeff Fenech joins us.
• Throw another roo tail on the barbie and dress light because we’re heading to Katherine Men’s Shed in the Northern Territory.
• Is there anything worse than waiting for a medical result when you are afraid of the outcome? Rip and Stuart both give their takes on test-stress.
• And what is poor mental health as opposed to just a crappy day? We’ll Ask the Doc.

All that and much more ahead in this episode of The Shed Wireless.
Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Australian Men’s Shed Association Chairman Paul Sladdin.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 6

It’s the wireless you’d listen to if you were in the Shed. Or celebrating Men’s Shed Week…

•Everything you ever wanted to know (and perhaps a few things you didn’t) about how to get Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status for your shed.
•We meet the new Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds.
•Rudeness? Lateness? Littering? What constitutes respect these days? We wrestle with disrespect in the modern world.
•Rip rocks in with his reckonings on respect.
•And we Ask the Doc, in fact two of them, all the “hard” questions about erectile dysfunction.
All that and much more ahead in this Men’s Shed Week episode of the Shed Wireless.
Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Australian Men’s Shed Association Chairman Paul Sladdin.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 5

It’s the wireless you’d listen to if you were in the Shed. Or in a Big Red Car…
• The original Yellow Wiggle Greg Page opens up about his near-death experience.
• Aaron’s been to a Shed Birthday. He gets all the news from Gisborne Men’s Shed and meets a Shedder turning 93!
• Grumpy Old Men – not a just a movie, a way of life for too many of us. Stuart and Rip dump the hump, and talk about the grumps.
• Plus we Ask the Doc (and get a second opinion) about the shocks of ageing and how you can avoid getting depressed about them.
• All that and much more ahead in this episode of the Shed Wireless.

Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Executive Officer of the Australian Men’s Shed Association David Helmers. Email: TheShedWireless@MensShed.net

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 4

A Father’s Day special episode. There’s some honest discussion about connecting (or not connecting) with your dad, including why hugs and kisses can still feel a bit awkward sometimes. Leschenault Men’s Shed in WA is our Shed in the Spotlight. Legendary muso Colin Hay of Men-at-Work fame is our special guest. Ask-the-Doc is an amazing opportunity to get up-to-date male health medical info. As you’ll hear, there’s so much to know about prostate health and treatment options for prostate cancer. And resident funny guy Rip Woodchip helps you see the lighter side. Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Executive Officer of the Australian Men’s Shed Association David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 3

The great Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee is our special guest. He was once the epitome of Australian manhood. Fit, fearsome and fearless — and even in his 70s he is all that and more.
Dayboro is our Shed in the Spotlight. Is laughter the best medicine? If so, where can you get a good dose of chuckles? Rip Woodchip reckons he’s got the formula that’ll help you live to 100.
Plus, not one but two of Australia’s leading experts tell you everything you ever wanted to know about prostate cancer. It’s a chat that might save your life.

Hosted by Aaron Kearney and Executive Officer of the Australian Men’s Shed Association David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 2

It’s the wireless you’d listen to if you were in the Shed. Or the garden!

He is Australia’s favourite gardener, a thinker, a big believer in shedding and he sports the finest beard this side of the North Pole. Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis is our special guest. Our Shed in the Spotlight is Crystal Brook, South Australia. Meet the former MP-turned-shedder who might just let his mates loose on his Rolls Royce. We are talking Bad Habits and Rip Woodchip reckons he’s broken a few over the years. Stuart Torrance talks about his fiery relationship with cigarettes. Plus take a deep breath and relax because we are going to “Ask the Doc” about the prostate.

THE SHED WIRELESS SEASON 2 |ePISODE 1

Tell him he’s dreaming (this one’s going straight to the pool room)

Legendary Australian actor and friend of the Shed movement Michael Caton talks about life, health, the Sullivans, the Castle and how his life was turned around after hitting rock bottom. Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed features in our new segment “Shed in the Spotlight”. The remarkable story of one Shedder who had a horrific stroke before his 40th birthday, just months after moving to a new country with a young family. A legendary Shed music group and their grand plans for a grand tour. Stuart gives some simple fitness tips. Rip Woodchip promotes his plan for peak performance and we introduce “Ask the Doc” — your free regular appointment with a men’s health expert.

THE SHED WIRELESS ePISODE #10

In this episode you’ll meet the first woman ever to be elected to the Australian Men’s Shed Association Board of Directors. Why would she want to do that?!  We also meet the newest member of the AMSA team. She may be a familiar name and yes…she too is a she. What might Men’s Sheds look like in the future? And what’s the magic formula that makes shedding popular everywhere from Tipperary to Tumut? Our international panel will discuss. We’ll talk about music as medicine — how a good tune can give you a good tune-up. And Rip Woodchip gives us a taste of his music collection.

THE SHED WIRELESS ePISODE #9

In this episode you’ll hear from the man with more sheds on his patch than anyone else, Federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton. Spend some time in the Whittlesea Men’s Shed and find out why it works so well.
“As my old Dad used to say”: Stuart talks about the wisdom handed down through the generations through sayings, quotes and adages. An inspired Rip Woodchip shares his favourite bush wisdom. By popular demand, we sit down with our Irish Men’s Shed brothers for some more craic. And Professor John Macdonald talks about what older Shedders can get from young Shedders — and vice versa. Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS ePISODE #8

In this Men’s Health Week special episode of The Shed Wireless, we talk to V8 Supercars legend David Reynolds about isolation, motivation and living your best life. Professor John Macdonald explains how sadness can actually be good. We talk to our friends at Healthy Male about lead in your pencil…and Rip Woodchip’s had his chassis serviced (much to everyone’s amusement). The Shed Wireless is hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS ePISODE #7

We catch up with AMSA Board Chairman Paul Sladdin who reveals a secret about his past and shares his personal heartbreak
We head to Albany, Western Australia where they are back in the shed after mounting a brilliant support program for Shedders during lockdown
Professor John Macdonald talks vulnerability, manhood and the power of silent support
Stuart helps you save a few dollars and maybe save the world while you’re at it
Rip Woodchip has taken off his boots and checks their environmental footprint
A whole lot more

The Shed Wireless is hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS EPISODE #6

We head to Ireland to see how Shedders are surviving in that part of the world
The wonder of working with wood and how it nearly cost Stuart two of his fingers.
Rip Woodchip has been cooking and is feeling pretty pleased with himself.
The legendary Professor John Macdonald – one of the great minds of the shed movement – shares some thoughts.
And much more…

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS EPISODE #5

The world’s longest-serving Shedder, the Grandfather of Shedding, Ted Donnelly paints his vision for the future of the movement.
Barry Golding goes back to the future.
We talk mindfulness (and not living in the past or future).
Come on a tour of Parramatta District Men’s Shed.
Rip Woodchip gets ripped (and nails it).
And a whole lot more…

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS EPISODE #4

The Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt is our special guest with a rare insight into Australia’s response to the COVID-19 threat.
Exercise snacking and the importance of social distancing from the fridge.
Mark Lilly from AMSA HQ is Working in the Shed.
Part 4 of Barry Golding’s History of Shedding.
Rip Woodchip nails it.
And a whole lot more.

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS EPISODE #3

The Governor General of Australia is our special guest with some encouragement and advice for Shedders.
Important information regarding the return to Shedding.
Part Three of Barry Golding’s History of Shedding.
What Clint Eastwood can teach us about gratitude.
We drop in to Wellington Men’s Shed
Rip Woodchip nails it.
And a whole lot more.

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS EPISODE #2

It’s the Wireless You’d Listen to if you were in the Shed.

We drop in on the world’s longest-serving Shedder, the Grandfather of Shedding, Ted Donnelley.
Part Two of Barry Golding’s History of Shedding.
Why Too Much Relaxing is Bad and How to Stay Sharp
Working in the Shed features Liz MacDonald – AMSA Shed Development Manager
Rip Woodchip nails it
And much more…

Hosted by Aaron Kearney and David Helmers.

THE SHED WIRELESS EPISODE #1

It’s the Wireless You’d Listen to if you were in the Shed.

Meet Colin – A Shedder who survived COVID19.
Part 1 of Barry Golding’s nostalgic trip back to the birth of the first sheds.
We meet the ultimate Shedder – Rip Woodchip.
Get some top tips on staying healthy and happy
And a whole lot more.

Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aaron Kearney and AMSA Boss David Helmers.