From Street Art to Gallery Walls: An interview with Lukas Kasper
Send us a textMelbourne-based artist Lukas Kasper shares his journey from skateboarding graffiti artist to internationally recognized muralist working across Australia, North America and Southeast Asia. His evolution from painting monsters to creating works exploring mental health, environmental awareness and our relationship with animals reveals how creative practices change and grow over time.• Beginning his art career through graffiti and skateboarding culture while finding community and validation• Taking initiative by approaching cafes and bars to host art shows when formal gallery access wasn't available• Adapting artistic style to different contexts while maintaining integrity across commercial work• Balancing commissioned projects with personal vision when working with councils and brands• Starting teaching at 17 and continuing community engagement through school workshops and YouTube tutorials• Creating a YouTube channel to share spray paint techniques and document artistic journey• Participating in international residencies including recent work in Mongolia and China• Experiencing a pivotal six-month residency in Wodonga that transformed his career trajectory• Finding motivation and building networks as keys to sustainable artistic practice• Managing the mental and financial challenges of being a full-time working artist
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Embracing Neurodiversity in a Square-Peg World: A conversation with Lee Agius
Send us a textLee Agius shares her journey from sculptor to art therapist, revealing how chance encounters and supportive mentors helped her discover her creative path despite early educational challenges as a neurodivergent learner.• Becoming a sculptor after a chance comment about her expressive hands during her travels in her early 20s• Art school experience highlighting the difference between creativity for expression versus creativity for external validation• Late diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD providing clarity and compassion for her younger self• Creating Artful Warrior Mental Health Therapy Service to provide accessible art therapy• Balancing multiple roles and projects as a business owner with neurodivergent needs• Navigating perimenopause and menopause challenges while questioning why women aren't more prepared• Finding clarity and self-acceptance in post-menopausal life• The transformative power of arts allowing her to progress from being unable to write essays to earning a master's degree with 98%Visit amrapajalic.com/podcast for episode handouts and guides.
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Dancing Through Life's Transitions: A conversation with Tania Segura
Send us a textTania shares her journey from mother of three to co-founder of Melbourne's vibrant Cuban dance crew Rakata, exploring how a single dance class at age 30 completely transformed her life path.• Beginning dance at 30 and discovering that Cuban salsa allowed her to flourish without classical training• Transferring teaching skills from classroom to dance floor by breaking complex movements into simple steps• Creating a dance curriculum focused on skills and expression rather than specific genres• Learning to recognise and assert your worth in creative industries• Honouring the cultural origins and storytelling aspects of Cuban dance• Being signed by a modelling agency at age 50 after applying on impulse• Appearing on SBS Insight's 50th anniversary special through a Facebook application• Embracing midlife transitions and menopause as an opportunity for self-prioritisation• Finding joy in trying new things without fear of failure• The importance of creative expression and play as essential human activitiesVisit amrapajalic.com/podcast for free episode handouts.
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The Refugee Writer's Journey: A Conversation with Fikret Pajalic
Send us a textWriter Fikret Pajalic shares his journey from Bosnian refugee to published author, exploring how personal trauma became award-winning fiction through determination and craft. His short story collection "Complication" draws on refugee experiences, cross-cultural challenges, and unexpected connections.• Began writing as therapy for PTSD after arriving in Australia as a refugee in 1994• Developed a "revolving door submissions" strategy, persisting through multiple rejections• Published in prestigious literary journals including Meanjin, Overland, and international magazines• Named his collection "Complication" after watchmaking terminology, reflecting life's complexities• Stories explore themes of refugee experiences, western suburbs life, racism, and cultural displacement• Animals appear as recurring motifs throughout his stories• Received grants from Creative Victoria (2014) and Australia Council (2015)• Balance between staying true to artistic vision while being open to editorial guidance• Writing process involves transforming both personal experiences and stories from his community• Continues to navigate the residual mental health impacts of refugee experiencesFind the episode show notes, free episode handouts and how-to guides at amrapajalic.com/podcast.
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Marketing Magic: How to Sell Your Book Without Selling Your Soul
Send us a textWe explore how to market your book effectively without compromising your values or feeling overwhelmed. This episode offers practical strategies from metadata optimisation to social media marketing that work for both indie and traditionally published authors.• Marketing is about connecting your story with readers who need it most• Prepare comprehensive metadata including keywords, descriptions, and retail links• Create titles and covers that meet genre expectations rather than trying to stand out• Develop multiple versions of your blurb from one-sentence to full description• Make a dedicated book page on your website with downloadable media kit materials• Use universal purchase links for all promotions rather than favoring one retailer• Create evergreen social media content that can be regularly recycled• Design a unique hashtag for your book or series to build brand recognition• Build an advanced reader team through platforms like NetGalley or your own list• Focus on marketing activities you genuinely enjoy and can sustain long-termYou can download my metadata template from my website to help prepare your book for publication. Remember, marketing is a marathon, not a sprint - find what works for you and keep connecting with readers who will appreciate your stories.
Welcome to Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes! I’m Amra Pajalić—writer, teacher, and storyteller. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive into stories about writing, life, and lessons learned—sharing wisdom from my armchair to yours.
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