McLaren versus

In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer pulls up a seat on the casting couch with the original series casting agent behind The Secret Life of Us — Wizzy Evans. And yes, the room was very full.

We dive into the wild energy of the audition process, the sheer number of actors circling the show, and the buzz that surrounded Secret Life before anyone realised it would become a cultural touchstone. From instant chemistry and gut instincts to the organised chaos of casting a young ensemble, this is an unfiltered look at how one of Australia’s most beloved casts came together.

It’s funny, honest and mildly unhinged — a reminder that some shows arrive fully charged, long before the cameras start rolling.

Topics discussed:

What the casting process actually looked like behind closed doors

Why everyone wanted to be part of Secret Life

Chemistry reads that crackled (and why they mattered)

The pressure of shaping a show that already felt “special”

How instinct, timing and taste drive casting decisions

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This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this fun reunion episode, Spencer sits down with Claudia Karvan, Deborah Mailman and Samuel Johnson to rewind the clock 25 years and revisit The Secret Life of Us — the show that made a generation fall in love, argue loudly at dinner parties, and feel slightly better (or worse) about their own lives.

What follows is pure chaos in the best way: unfiltered memories, on-set gossip, affectionate roasting, and a healthy dose of “we probably shouldn’t be saying this… but here we are.” From cast crushes and cultural impact to the strange experience of becoming that famous that fast, this is a reunion that feels more like mates at the pub than a polite trip down memory lane.

If you loved the show, this episode delivers the stuff you always wanted to know — and a few things you definitely didn’t expect to hear out loud.

In this episode we cover:

The lightning-in-a-bottle energy that made the show explode

Cast chemistry, crushes and the original auditions

Becoming overnight household names (and coping with it)

Why the show hit a nerve — and still does

The legacy of The Secret Life of Us 25 years on

Links mentioned in this episode:

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This week on McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with legendary producer Amanda Higgs and celebrated writer Judi McCrossin to unpack how The Secret Life of Us came to life, the creative risks that defined a generation of Australian drama, and why the emotional heartbeat of the series still resonates 25 years on.

Topics discussed:

Where Amanda and Judi were emotionally when Secret Life first began

How the characters were created

How St Kilda shaped its soul

The production and industry hurdles getting the show made

The storylines that made networks nervous and sparked difficult phone calls

The moment they realised the show was not just popular — but emotionally important

How The Secret Life of Us changed the landscape for Australian drama

What still surprises them 25 years later — the timeless and the very 2001
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In this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer sits down with acclaimed Australian actor, playwright and screenwriter Kate Mulvany to talk about the craft of storytelling, the challenges of living and working with chronic pain, and what it means to reimagine Shakespeare through the lens of disability — all the way to sharing the screen with Al Pacino.

Topics discussed:

Tim Minchin sleeping on her couch

Workign with superstars Baz Luhrman, Robbie WIlliams and Al Pacino

Embodying Richard III and reframing disability as strength

What makes a great performance

What it truly means to be a storyteller - telling her truth around agent orange, cancer and accoutnability

Living and wokring with chronic pain

Advocacy for disability representation in the arts

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https://www.instagram.com/katemulvany/

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If you love real stories hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment about your favourite Kate role.

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This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

On this episode of McLaren Versus, Spencer welcomes Marina Prior—the first lady of Australian musical theatre, whose voice and artistry have defined a generation of stage and concert performance.

From her star-making turn in The Phantom of the Opera to a remarkable career spanning the country’s biggest productions, Marina reflects on the natural arc of her journey—moving from ingénue roles sung with youthful clarity to embracing the depth and texture of complex character parts as her career matured.

It’s a conversation about artistry, adaptation, and the enduring magic of storytelling through song.

Topics Discussed:

Discovering music and performance as a young girl in Melbourne

Breaking through with The Phantom of the Opera and other landmark roles

The transition from ingénue to character roles

The discipline and daily rituals behind maintaining a world-class instrument

How motherhood and family shaped her artistry and perspective

Why live theatre remains her truest creative home

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instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mclarenversus
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mclarenversus

Follow Marina Prior
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_marina_prior

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm