Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions around sex and language that may offend, so if you have little kids around it might be best to listen with headphones on. Jordana (Jordi) Ezra is a certified Somatic Sexologist who predominately works in the LGBTIA+ community. As someone who grew up not feeling safe to be queer, Jordi has dedicated their career to learning, understanding and guiding queer bodied humans to feel safe within the intersections of their gender and sexuality so that they can experience the full spectrum of pleasure that’s available to them. Jordi creates courses, pr ..read more

Today’s guest is Justine Dalla Riva. Justine grew up in leafy suburban Melbourne, one of 5 children born to Catholic parents – an Italian immigrant father and an Australian mother. After initially wanted to be a nun, an obstetrician or a Brownlow medalist when she grew up, Justine eventually became the inaugural CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre – a position she still holds. Justine is married to wife Evaline, and together they raise 2 teenagers. Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Vaughan McCarthy.  This episode originally aired on March 28th, 2024. For furth ..read more

Today’s guest is Art Simone. Art is one of Australia’s most popular drag performers, having featured in RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Highway to Heel, as well as appearing in some of Australia’s most recognisable advertising campaigns. Art has been named Drag Performer of the Year and earned the title Queen of Australia. Art has a podcast called Concealed with Art Simone and is releasing her debut book Life Is Art in the coming weeks, which will be available exclusively via Booktopia. Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Ellen Spalding and Vaughan McCarthy.  T ..read more

This week’s guest is Evan Cooper. Evan grew up in a variety of locations due to the divorce of his parents at a young age, which resulted in a diverse blended family. Despite working in a variety of careers, Evan’s first love has always been photography. His most recent exhibition The Echoes and Whispers featured as part of Midsumma 2024. https://www.midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/echoes-and-whispers/ Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Ellen Spalding and Vaughan McCarthy.  This episode originally aired on December 23rd, 2023. For further information head to ..read more

Today’s guest is David Imber. David is a corporate public affairs professional with over 20 years experience in the public, corporate and not for profit sectors. He is passionate about social justice and has combined his professional roles with volunteering in the field and in governance across a range of LGBTIQ+ and mainstream organisations. He currently combines his busy work life with his role as Deputy Chair at the Victorian Pride Centre. Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Ellen Spalding, Dave Samuel and Vaughan McCarthy.  This episode originally aired on ..read more

Lisa Daniel’s guest on this episode of Word for Word is Kathy Mansfield. Today’s guest is Kathy Mansfield. Kathy grew up in a Christian family in suburban Melbourne, Australia in the 1940s. She married and had 4 children and lived the expected masculine life until an epiphany at the age of 62 which resulted in her transition from male to female. Despite high challenges, Kathy has maintained happy family ties as her marriage of over 50 years and has flourished as her true self. Kathy is a tireless advocate for older people transitioning. Her honesty and vulnerability shine through in this emoti ..read more

Lisa Daniel’s guest on this episode of Word for Word is Stephanie Teh. Stephanie emigrated to Australia from Singapore at the age of 5 with her family. Stephanie is the Musical Director of Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Choir which holds the mantle as the first LGBTQIA+ choir in the Southern Hemisphere. Her journey with this beloved community commenced 30 years ago when she joined as a singer. She became Assistant Musical Director in 2012, a Life Member in 2017, and was appointed Musical Director in 2021. A conductor particularly known for her energy, Steph loves to share her passion for music wi ..read more

Lisa Daniel’s guest on this episode of Word for Word is Sonny Jane Wise. Sonny Jane Wise is a non-binary, multiply neurodivergent & disabled public speaker, advocate, content creator and author. Sonny was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD as a child and grew up only hearing a deficit narrative about their neurodivergence. Since then, they have gone on to build an audience of over 100,000 people online, have written The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills and the new book We’re All Neurodiverse. Sonny Jane and has worked with organisations and services around Australia and the world ..read more

Lisa Daniel’s guest on this episode of Word for Word is Anthony Severino. Anthony grew up in a conservative catholic family in Sydney and was diagnoses with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 11. Anthony found his tribe and his safe space in the theatre and musical theatre and is well known around Sydney via his drag persona, Peach Fuzz. Anthony works as a somatic sex coach helping people find and enjoy their true sexual selves. Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Ellen Spalding, Dave Samuel and Vaughan McCarthy.  This episode originally aired on October 28th, 20 ..read more

Lisa Daniel’s guest on this episode of Word for Word is Ben Mitchell. Ben grew up on a small farm in New Zealand, but as a young kid his life was less than idyllic. Being different wasn’t welcomed by his father or step father, and school proved to be a lonely and isolating experience. Fast forward a couple of decades and Ben has overcome the challenges of his past to see only the positives life has to offer. Word for Word is hosted by Lisa Daniel on JOY Media, produced by Ellen Spalding, Dave Samuel and Vaughan McCarthy.  This episode originally aired on October 21st, 2023. For further in ..read more