Canberra: Conversations in the Capital

Henry Xu

A podcast about Canberrans, for Canberrans. During his time working with Questacon and ABC Radio, Henry Xu met and chatted to some of the best the Nation's Capital has to offer. Now, he's ready to showcase them all. Through 20-30 minute interviews, Henry has conversations with a plethora of Canberrans- from life stories with Australian of the Year winners like Val Dempsey, to career retrospectives with cultural icons like Tim the Yowie Man. Recorded throughout the city, in locations relevant to his guests, this podcast allows the people of Canberra a chance to learn more about the town they live in and adore.

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S8E6: Tim Miller, Lids4Kids Australia

For the extended-length season finale, Henry chats with Tim Miller, founder of Lids4Kids and 2021 Australian of the Year Local Hero. Conversations occur throughout a tour around Lids4Kids Headquarters and range from Tim's experiences beginning Lids4Kids, managing a social enterprise, as well as a look behind the curtain for the AOTY Awards.

Nov 4, 2025

44 min

S8E5: Grace Campbell, Wedding Painter

Henry chats with Canberra's premier wedding painter, Grace Campbell. Conversations range from Grace's experiences so far in the profession to advice and insight for weddings in the Nation's Capital.

Oct 28, 2025

27 min

S8E4: Trish Hurley, Stand-Up Comedian

Henry chats with stand-up comedian Trish Hurley of The Women's Room. Conversations range from Trish's journey into the Canberra comedy scene, as well as insight into connecting ones life's experiences toward the craft.

Oct 21, 2025

28 min

S8E3: Evan Buckley, The Burley Griffin

Henry chats with Evan Buckley of Canberra band The Burley Griffin. Conversations include Evan's experiences on stage, his thoughts on the Canberra music scene post-COVID19, as well as some reflections on the legacy of The Burley Griffin in the Nation's Capital.

Oct 14, 2025

29 min

S8E2: Alice Taylor, National Film and Sound Archives

Henry chats with Alice Taylor of Elsie's Film House, the new Creative Producer and Program Coordinator of the National Film and Sound Archives. Conversations range from Alice's experiences in the film/TV industry, to her thoughts and reflections on the value of film and community.

Oct 7, 2025

28 min

S8E1: Val Dempsey OAM, St John's Ambulance ACT

For this extended-length season opener, Henry chats with the beloved Aunty Val Dempsey from St John's Ambulance ACT, the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year. Conversations range from Val's experiences volunteering, her memories of the AOTY celebrations, as well as some reflective insight into the volunteering scene in the Nation's Capital.

Sep 30, 2025

49 min

S7E6: Gavin Smith, ACT Snake Removals

For this extended-length season finale, Henry chats with Gavin Smith of ACT Snake Removals. Conversations range from the Canberra Snake Tracking Project to Gavin's reflections on the perception of snakes and importance of wildlife and ecology in the present day.

Sep 25, 2024

40 min

S7E5: Tommy Balogh, Visual Artist

This episode, Henry chats with visual artist Tommy Balogh. Conversations range from Tommy's art-related adventures, both in Canberra and around the world, as well as his current and future projects in the profession.

Sep 18, 2024

33 min

S7E4: Sophie Edwards, Musician

This episode, Henry chats with musician Sophie Edwards. Conversations range from Sophie's musical journey and She's On The Bill to reflections on the Canberra music scene and its future.

Sep 11, 2024

26 min

S7E3: John Delmenico, The Chaser

This episode, Henry chats with John Delmenico- Head Writer and Editor of The Chaser. Conversations range from John's experiences being part of The Chaser institution, his thoughts on the founding "Chaser Boys", as well as reflections on the role of political satire in the modern day.

Sep 4, 2024

33 min