Summary Aaron Curnow, the founder of Spunk Records, discusses his career in the music industry and the relationships he has built with artists. He reflects on the success of the label and the challenges he faced, including the impact of COVID-19. Curnow also talks about the importance of being connected to the music and the artists he works with. He discuss the changing landscape of the music industry, particularly in relation to the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify. They talk about the challenges faced by up-and-coming bands and the shift in focus from live performances to online streaming. They also touch on the role of record labels and the importance of creativity in the industry. Aaron shares his top three live music experiences and reflects on the nostalgia of mixtapes and vinyl records. They conclude by discussing the future of Spunk Records. Takeaways Building relationships with artists is crucial in the music industry. Being connected to the music and having a passion for it is essential for success. The challenges of running a record label include managing multiple artists and adapting to industry changes. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in terms of international releases and live performances. The music industry has undergone significant changes with the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, which have impacted the way artists promote and monetize their music. Up-and-coming bands face challenges in getting their music heard and building a fanbase, as traditional avenues like live performances and record labels have become less accessible. Creativity remains a crucial aspect of the music industry, and artists need to find innovative ways to stand out and connect with audiences. The nostalgia of mixtapes and vinyl records highlights the importance of physical media and the personal touch it brings to music consumption. Spunk Records plans to take a break from releasing new music but will continue to support artists through their existing catalog and explore new opportunities in the industry. The podcast will continue, with a focus on recording episodes at a pace that allows for quality content without overwhelming the hosts' other commitments.

Get ready to dive into an exciting and inspiring part 2 with Blakey Johnston, the world record holder for continuously surfing for 40.07 hours, riding 707 waves. Not only is Blakey, a skilled surfer, but he's also a passionate advocate for mental health, having raised $400,000 for Youth Mental Health and the Chumpy Pullin Foundation. In this episode, we get an exclusive glimpse into Blakey's journey towards breaking the world record and learn about his physical and mental challenges during the attempt. But that's not all, as Blakey and Lauren have a surprise in store for Ben, which you won't want to miss! Just keep listening to find out what it is - but we'll give you a clue; it might get a little chilly. So join us as we chat with Blakey about his record-breaking feat, his passion for mental health awareness, and the surprise that awaits. Get ready to be inspired, motivated and entertained in this inspiring episode. Wondering what could have gone wrong in 40 hours? Here is a list: Hypothermia: The body's core temperature drops due to prolonged exposure to cold water, which can lead to hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination, and if not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening. Dehydration: Surfing for extended periods can cause dehydration due to sweating and exposure to the sun and wind. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, kidney damage. Physical exhaustion: Surfing for a prolonged period can cause physical exhaustion, leading to muscle fatigue, cramps, and injuries. Mental fatigue: Mental fatigue can set in, leading to decreased concentration, slower reaction times, and potentially dangerous decision-making. Injuries: The risk of injury is always present when surfing, especially in cold water where muscle flexibility is reduced. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe fractures and dislocations. Marine life: Cold water is often home to various marine life, such as sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays, which can pose a risk to surfers.Saltwater exposure: Prolonged exposure to saltwater can cause skin irritation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Fatigue-related accidents: Fatigue-related accidents can occur with decreased reaction times and judgment, including collisions with other surfers or the surfboard itself. Ocean currents: Surfing for an extended period can lead to increased exposure to ocean currents that can pull surfers away from shore and into dangerous waters.

Blakey Johsnton is about to surf for 40 hours. This episode captures Blakes's mindset just eight days from embarking on his world record attempt, which has already raised an incredible $150,000 for Youth Mental Health as we air on this episode of Dear Luke and Ben (without Luke). This is a testament to his passion and dedication to Mental health, and Blakey has just begun. In this episode, we delve into the incredible challenge that Blakey is about to undertake: surfing for 40 hours straight in salt water. We discuss the risks involved in this record-breaking attempt and how Blakey prepares himself physically and mentally for this gruelling challenge. We also touch upon the absence of Luke Shanahan, who could not join us for this episode due to the shi*thouse Sydney train system. However, we know that Luke is with us in spirit and fully supports Blakey's mission to raise awareness for mental health and youth. We can inform you that Luke made it home after 8 hours of train rides through Sydney to nowhere. Throughout the episode, we explore the incredible determination and resilience of Blakey Johnston, who is attempting to break a world record and make a difference. We discuss the importance of mental health awareness and how we can all support this vital cause. Tune in to this episode to hear about the incredible challenge that Blakey Johnston is about to undertake and learn how you can make a difference in the world of mental health

Josh Lalor is one of only a handful of Indigenous cricketers to have represented NSW in First Class cricket. He is also really good friends with Ben (from Dear Luke & Ben). We called this episode the reluctant fast bowler and we need you to understand, before anything else, what reluctant actually means to us. Here is the abbreviation: feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or reluctance to get involved. Also: having or assuming a specified role. A reluctant hero.  I want to draw your attention to the last part, the word where it says the hero. Imagine turning up to something, believing, you were not good enough, but turning up anyway! Imagine, dreaming of becoming a professional athlete and being told you did not have what takes to become one. Imagine standing at the top of your mark, ready to compete with the best on the planet, and not feeling like you belong! Well, that's Josh. Our reluctant guest and your reluctant superhero. Josh Lalor is actually a metaphor, for you, for me and for all of us to understand one true thing about life. That anything is possible and we are powerful, way beyond our own imagination. Josh became a professional cricketer, just a few days before he planned to give it away. Those last few steps changed his world and have inspired a generation of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to chase their own dreams, regardless of height, weight, stature, background or belief. In a world where a professional athlete (in josh's view) looked nothing like Josh, he rose up to become one of the best we have ever produced. Claiming wickets and victories against the best of all time. When everyone said no, Josh pressed a little harder and turned no into a yes. Please take your time listening through this conversation, you will hear a story of a talented professional sportsman, but what sits behind it, is a journey commitment fueled by passion. Josh is a proud Indigenous Australian and delivers, in this conversation, one of the most beautiful heartfelt, honest conversations we have had to date. Please enjoy our chat with Professional Cricketer, Indigenous Role Model, KPMG Professional, Superstar Bowler and our friend (and wannabe Batter), Josh Lalor.

This episode is essential listening. Every human should take the time to listen to Dave's story. Dave Winner is a lifelong, all-season surfer and ocean swimmer. He can often be seen striding confidently into the surf, regardless of the weather. In August 2020, at the age of 69, large unpredictable waves caught him off-guard and swept him off the rocks and into a deep rockpool, where he was knocked unconscious and failed to resurface. Dave was under the water for more than 6 minutes while witnesses on the beach rushed to his aid. It took five people to retrieve him from the water and carry him to safety, where he was given immediate, life-saving CPR by members of the public, including several off-duty first responders. Emergency services arrived, and more than 2 hours after leaving the water, Dave was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remained in an induced coma for five days. After an agonising wait with his family by his side in the ICU, Dave regained consciousness. Sadly, he broke his neck and suffered spinal damage rendering Dave a paraplegic. Dave was told he would never walk again. The doctors, however, hadn't met Dave before. Without giving this extraordinary story of bravery, determination and love away, he walked into this studio, un-aided to conduct this interview with his best mate, his son, Steve Winner. There are lessons in this conversation that run deep and should connect with all of us. The common thread? Friendship and family.  Please enjoy this conversation with this real life superhuman, Dave Winner and his son, Steve. Please register for your first aid training here: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/first-aid-courses/ https://anchor.fm/dearlukeandben/message

Trust us, charging through not only your daily grind, but flying through the entire galaxy goes better with some Vashti Whitfield wisdom. Whether it be through her books, films, personal coaching or even a daily hit of "Vashti" that you can find on social media platforms, her inspiring words make intergalactic travel so much smoother. Following the tragic loss of her husband, actor Andy Whitfield, Vashti has opened the portal of truth and light to millions throughout the world and now she sits down with Luke and Ben (in studio) to discuss just how to they can maximise the potential of hopefully not just this episode but all of season 2.

Welcome to our first official "Guestless" episode, where we break down the previous season and discuss what we have learnt, where we are heading and what it means to be a filmer maker and own a digital agency in times of upheaval and disruption. This episode shares our experiences through unscripted dialogue and organic confusion with your hosts, Luke Shanahan and Ben Rennie (Guestless). What follows is a conversation that will make you laugh, squirm & feel oddly inspired. Luke and Ben hope to feed the creative mind (or help you rediscover the one you may have lost). Welcome to "Dear Luke & Ben", New Episodes every Thursday.

There are many reasons Australia loves, broadcaster, writer, host, actress and national treasure, MYF WARHURST. Her prolific broadcasting career, her love of Eurovision, her work on everyone's favourite Aussie show, BLUEY and her obsession with Dolly Parton are a few of the topics Luke and Ben sit down with Myf to discuss. The question remains, Would Luke and Ben dare ask Myf the Pop Culture Icon - any Rock Trivia ? Or worse, would they try and sing?

Speaking with Bob Brown makes us all feel a little lazy. He is, Australia's Humanist! Doctor, Senator, environmentalist, activist, leader and writer are some of the roles he's occupied but his reach is much wider than that. It's lonely at the top and from having to go it alone on many issues in parliament, he's now seen as a figurehead to the next generation of climate activists and those who choose to care about the planet. Strap yourself in, it's time to save the world.

Ben Gillies is a rockstar! From his lengthy career as founding member and drummer of Silverchair, the band that went on to sell 8 million records and win a staggering 21 ARIA awards, this Newcastle lad has packed three lifetimes into his 40 years. His prolific career started when he formed his first band at 12 and he then went on to travel the world smashing out some of Australia's most iconic and memorable tracks. Now a new father to twin boys with his wife, Jacqui Gillies (from TV'S REAL HOUSEWIVES OF MELBOURNE), its hard to understand just how he had time to stop by and chat to us? But we're glad he did.

From Logie nominated child star to working alongside the world's most famous film-makers, Damon Herriman has done it all. Working constantly between LA and Australia, Damon not only has taken direction from some of the world's leading directors such as Clint Eastwood, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino but also has worked with.....Luke Shanahan. You better believe it. With a slew of awards under his belt, this conversations explores just how Damon has maintained a creative integrity through his truthful story-telling while managing to still, "swim with the sharks" in Hollywood.

PART 2: Ben Baker vs the Presidents of the United States. Ben is a beacon of hope for all of us. He represents anything is possible, how to keep looking forward, make good decisions, and the chips will, more often than not, land exactly where you need them to. In Bens case, in the White House or on the front cover of Rolling Stone or The New Yorker!On his way to an assisting in the UK Ben stopped by New York City where he was offered a position as an assistant to the legendary Annie Leibovitz. His first project with Annie and Vanity Fair magazine was the 1998 Hollywood cover with Cate Blanchett, Joaquin Phoenix, Vince Vaughn, Toby Maguire, Natalie Portman, Christina Ricci and others.

Ben Shares honest & powerful perspectives on what it takes to shoot the president of the united states, not once, over and over again! With a camera, of course, in the oval office with some of the most powerful humans in the world! How chance plays a part in our lives, but not at the expense of hard work, finding your voice and stamping your footprint on the planet, regardless of how big or seemingly far away that world might be. Ben is a beacon of hope for all of us. He represents anything is possible, how to keep looking forward, make good decisions, and the chips will, more often than not, land exactly where you need them to. In Bens case, in the White House or on the front cover of Rolling Stone or The New Yorker!

We chat with Dan Illic, writer, director, performer, comedian and political activist. Long revered for making people laugh, Dan has now turned his comic powers to the worldwide environmental cause. And he's got a bloody big billboard in Times Square, New York City to prove it!

Ellidy Pullin is the founder of the Chumpy Pullin Foundation & International Podcast Series, Darling, Shibe with Chloe Fisher. El is the life partner to world champion snowboarder - Alex (Chumpy) Pullin, who died tragically in 2020. This led Ellidy to reassess her life and the chance of a future family. The result is a fantastic journey through grief, resilience and ultimately progression to parenthood. However, the spirit of (Chumpy) lives on through new life, and in this episode, we discover, Ellidy has a story that goes way beyond baby Minnie and the legacy of her famous husband. This is El's story.

Jimmy Niggles sold his beard for $1,013,970, to be exact. In this world-first; Jimmy talks for the first time about how he needs to say goodbye to the persona (Jimmy Niggles), to become the person who created it all, Scotty Maggs.

Ever the Renaissance man, Tim Ross (Rosso) tackles our big question with thought-provoking ideas,  wondering just how cavemen might have fared in these COVID times while at the same time pondering if there is in fact any (real) difference between a car salesman and a politician. What we really learn is how to lead, inspire and create a path that is truly your own in a way that is authentic and connected to your lifelong passion. Enjoy.