Join Cal, Rachel, Jack, Joel and Jordan on Well Well Well each week to get all the latest on mental health, HIV & sexual health, and the overall health and wellbeing of our LGBTIQA+ communities on JOY 94.9 and on the podcast. A service for our LGBTIQA+ community proudly supported by JOY and Thorne Harbour Health.
Jack and Cal return to the world of leather, kink, and fetish title competitions through Cal’s journey as Mr. Australian Leather, including his visit to Auckland for the inaugural MX Gear New Zealand title. We hear from contestants including a 74-year-old trans man finding his second wind in community, a South Island pup advocating for trans rights, and a self-proclaimed “comedy queen” channelling Princess Margaret on their path to the title. The conversation unpacks how these titles serve as platforms for sexual health advocacy, community building, and solidarity at a time when queer infrastructure is under pressure globally. Chapters 00:00 – Intro and Cal’s sash queen revelation 02:02 – Cal’s history in Melbourne leather community 02:55 – Origins of leather title competitions 03:37 – Evolution toward inclusive mixed gear titles 05:08 – Cal wins Mr Australian Leather title 06:21 – Inside look at leather community gatherings 10:53 – Titleholders as advocates and community leaders 13:10 – What judges look for in competitions 20:53 – Luca 74 year old trans man competes 28:44 – Chief represents South Island at competition 34:16 – Robbie Abundance wins inaugural Mix Gear title 44:18 – Producer Sean on launching the event All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell . If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org . Produced by: Jack Crnjanin & Caleb Hawk
Jenna Love has worked as an independent sex worker for over a decade, and now leads Sex Work Advocacy work as the president of Scarlet Alliance. In this episode she speaks with Jordan about her experience at the Women Deliver conference in Melbourne to the fight for decriminalisation across so-called Australia. We explore the long history of peer-to-peer organising in the sex worker community, the contagious spread of the Nordic model, and what genuine allyship looks like. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction 05:00 — Meeting incredible overachievers at Women Deliver 10:00 — Creating the sex worker networking zone 15:00 — Emerging Together: Sex Work at End of Empire 20:00 — Global solidarity among sex workers across borders 25:00 — Advice for allies supporting sex worker advocacy 30:00 — The Nordic Model and its harmful impact 35:00 — Queensland’s decriminalisation as best practice model 40:00 — Whore Walk: sex work history walking tours 45:00 — Sex work and digital rights All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell . If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org . Produced by: Jack Crnjanin & Jordan
We discuss sexually adventurous men's project, Down an' Dirty, with Craig from Thorne Harbour Health. This sexual health resource for sexually adventurous men covers kink, fetish, and harm reduction. Wayne from SNKR Bar joins to discuss sneaker fetish culture and his Melbourne-based community events for sportswear enthusiasts. We also talk about how safe, inclusive spaces support LGBTIQA+ communities explore various aspects of sexual expression while prioritising consent and community connection. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:42 - Down and Dirty sexually adventurous men health project overview 02:32 - Extensive range of kink fetish sexual practices content 05:09 - Harm reduction framework keeping community members safe during sexual activities 12:48 - Wayne from SNKR Bar joins to discuss sneaker fetish culture discussion 14:18 - Wayne shares personal journey 19:54 - Sportswear fetish offers accessible affordable alternative to expensive leather gear 24:54 - Sneaker Bar events create welcoming social space for newcomers to explore All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Jake Neville, Jack Crnjanin, Craig Bascand
What's behind the explosion of mental health content flooding social media feeds today? We ask Lilly, a registered psychologist from Thorne Harbour Health's Under the Rainbow program, to help us find the answer. Jake and Jack speak with them about concerning trends including simplified diagnoses, debunked frameworks like love languages and MBTI, and why pathologising everyday behaviours can be problematic. We explore how to spot credible information versus clickbait, why self-diagnosis has both benefits and risks, and what you can expect if you decide to speak with a psychologist or therapist. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Social Media Concerns 01:53 - Meet Psychologist Lilly From Under The Rainbow 03:54 - Psychologist Versus Therapist Explained Simply 06:11 - Working As An LGBTIQA+ Psychologist 14:24 - Spotting Mental Health Misinformation Online 16:51 - Red Flags In Pop Psychology Content 27:14 - Debunking Love Languages And MBTI Myths 37:18 - What Your First Therapy Session Looks Like All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Jake Neville, Jack Crnjanin
Rachel is joined by Jacob Boehme, an award-winning filmmaker, choreographer, and cultural leader. Jacob shares his journey from a troubled teenager in Melbourne's western suburbs to his studies, where he discovered the deep connections between traditional cultural practice and theatre. We also explore his acclaimed solo work Blood on the Dance Floor, which centres First Nations experiences of living with HIV. He closes after speaking about his current role leading the Mob+ program at Thorne Harbour Health's Positive Living Centre in Prahran. Chapters 00:00 - Show introduction and guest overview 01:52 - Early theatre and dance beginnings 05:54 - Cultural discovery and identity at NAISDA 08:22 - Multidisciplinary ceremony as theatre practice 11:45 - Founding Yirramboi Festival with self-determination 15:50 - Blood on the Dance Floor 20:21 - Introducing the Mob Plus program 26:03 - Hopes for the future of Mob+ All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Rachel Cook, Jack Crnjanin
Trans non-binary performer Kitty Obsidian joins us to discuss the intersection of fetish performance, activism, and community health. Joel and Jake speak with them about the legal realities of sex work in Australia, why risk-awareness is essential for both performers and participants, and their involvement with the Touchbase harm reduction campaign. We also talk about creating safer queer spaces and the inaugural Fetish Fantasy Ball fundraising gala supporting sex worker and First Nations organisations. Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Host Welcome 02:11 - Meeting Kitty Obsidian 04:54 - Life Journey and Discovering Queer Identity 09:31 - Performance Audiences From Cabaret To Sex Shows 14:17 - Decolonizing White Centred Performance Spaces 20:50 - Understanding Leather And Rubber Title Pageants 24:42 - Harm Reduction Education And Touchbase Campaign 33:04 - Fetish Fantasy Ball Fundraiser And Personal Self Care All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Joel Parker, Jake Neville
This special live broadcast from JOY's 2026 Radiothon features a spirited "Sexpert Trivia" challenge. We dive into the archives of Victorian AIDS Council campaigns, decode hanky colour meanings, and discuss the practical importance of various barrier methods. Chapters 00:00 - Radiothon special kickoff and guest intros 04:11 - HIV campaign poster history 08:53 - CondoMan superhero campaign origins 13:11 - Drama Down Under campaign in the top end 17:32 - Barrier methods 28:05 - Hanky codes 32:18 - Final scores All chapter timecodes are approximate. Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Rhian Graco-Ilves, Jack Crnjanin, Joel Parker, Jake Neville
Jack and Cal are joined by new Thorne Harbour Health CEO Chad Hughes, and discuss the critical challenge of delivering equitable health services to our diverse communities in regional Victoria and South Australia. Chad dives into the organisation’s strategy of embedding practitioners with lived experience into mainstream rural clinics to ensure privacy and reduce stigma for those not ready to come out locally. We also explore the unique dynamics of regional pride events and the importance of empowering local experiences over a one size fits all approach. Given the growing crisis of misinformation in the age of AI, Thorne Harbour’s forty-year legacy of trust is more vital than ever, especially as the organisation expands its national reach through innovative digital platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:56 – Chad’s origin story involving genetics, a trip to Uganda in the late 90s, and the pivotal moment that drove him toward public health 06:14 – Setting up harm reduction programs over four years living in a remote Nepalese village, learning the language, and overcoming his needle phobia 11:39 – Leadership philosophy, focusing on mentoring others, the satisfaction of population-level impact versus individual care, and his framework for making tough decisions under pressure 14:45 – Living in Daylesford, the unique nature of regional queer communities compared to the city, and the specific challenges of delivering health services to isolated trans and gender-diverse youth 20:00 – The importance of supporting local autonomy in events like Bendigo Pride 24:46 – Thorne Harbour’s 40-year history of adapting to diverse community requirements 28:47 – Misinformation and AI-generated content, highlighting why Thorne Harbour’s reputation for trusted health information is more valuable than ever 33:32 – The current political climate, funding challenges in Victoria, the importance of a unified sector, and the significance of having a community member as the new Minister for Health 38:13 – Chad’s hobby of birding, his spark bird, and how observing nature serves as a mindfulness practice 48:14 – Parallels between the patience required for birding and the calm, observant leadership style needed to manage staff dealing with vicarious trauma and complex community crises 49:42 – Ensuring services are truly community-led, responsive to emerging threats like Mpox, and accessible to everyone regardless of location or identity Want more Well Well Well? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell . If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Caleb Hawk, Jack Crnjanin
Queer content creator and influencer Odus Moore joins us to unpack the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a voice for sexual health and harm reduction in the digital age. Odus traces his journey from streaming on Twitch during lockdown to highlighting the intersection of entertainment and serious health advocacy. We tackle the “influencer” label, the difficulty of securing ethical brand partnerships, and the necessity of values-based content creation in an increasingly polarised political landscape. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell . If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Joel Parker, Jake Neville
Joel sits down with volunteers Phoebe and Leo to explore the power of giving back to the community in light of National Volunteer Week. Phoebe shares her journey from a university student seeking purpose to a researcher supporting LGBTQ+ women’s health. Leo discusses finding a safe haven in Melbourne after living in regions where queerness is criminalised. We discuss how volunteering acts as a kind of “mental gym” that breaks down social isolation and fosters genuine human connection across diverse backgrounds. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell . If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by Joel Parker.
After the 2026 Women Deliver conference in Melbourne, we discuss what real inclusion looks like – does it mean simply inviting diverse voices to an existing table or dismantling the structure itself? Rachel and Jordan in Melbourne are joined by Nikki Sullivan in Adelaide to explore the tension between tokenistic representation and the power of strategic coalition building across identity lines. We also explore the presence of colonial and military frameworks within a feminist space, the unique visibility of intersex voices, and the urgent need to move beyond siloed identity politics toward issue-based alliances. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Rachel Cook, Jack Crnjanin
We discuss how HIV self-test vending machines are breaking down barriers to testing for vulnerable populations across Australia with Zara Boulton, National Project Officer for Connect. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to fears of stigma and discrimination, we explore the complex obstacles that prevent overseas-born individuals from accessing traditional testing services. Connect’s innovative approach of offering free, discreet, and convenient testing through strategically placed machines has proven remarkably successful, with pilot data showing strong community uptake and overwhelmingly positive user feedback. The national rollout now spans multiple states and territories, with local project officers ensuring the program adapts to regional needs and community preferences. Jack, Jordan, and Joel also reflect on Thorne Harbour Health’s internal knowledge sharing FRIDA conference. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Jack Crnjanin
Regional communities face unique challenges when it comes to Hepatitis, other blood borne viruses (BBV), and sexual health, including access to services, workforce capacity, stigma, and visibility. In light of this, LiverWell and Thorne Harbour Country are running a forum focused on strengthening healthcare workforce practices in Bendigo and surrounding communities. This forum aims to take a practical approach, recognising that factors like regionality, sexuality, gender, culture and migration status all shape health outcomes. On Well Well Well, we speak often about stigmatising experiences for LGBTIQA+ communities and people living with HIV in healthcare settings. In much the same vein, healthcare workers admit to treating patients negatively that have engaged in sex work, are living with Hepatitis, or have injected drugs, according to LiverWell. We’re joined this episode by Jon Kok from LiverWell to break down the reality of stigma for these cohorts, how intersectional identities can present additional challenges, how LiverWell’s ‘StreetShot’ art project with Minus18 can help to visualise these issues, and why regional voices are essential to the solution. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Jack Crnjanin
Over 35 arrests have been made by Victoria Police regarding LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes and coordinated online attacks against gay and bi+ guys. These incidents, often facilitated by dating apps, have prompted a formal parliamentary inquiry into hate crimes across the state. This episode features detailed insights from Victoria Police, Equality Australia, and La Trobe University’s ARCSHS on current reporting trends and safety protocols. Learn exactly how the inquiry process works, why community evidence is vital for future policy, and how to make a submission before the May 1 deadline. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Caleb Hawk, Jack Crnjanin
Emil Canita, an artist and advocate from Living Positive Victoria, joins Jack and Jake to discuss the intersection of creativity and health. Many queer people living with HIV carry the weight of historical trauma, yet Australia’s epidemic has seen remarkably low mortality rates compared to global contexts. The exhibition You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) at Collingwood Yards seeks to bridge the gap between art history and HIV advocacy, celebrating the resilience of the community while addressing the unique barriers faced by migrants and people of colour. But how can we use art to reclaim the narrative around disclosure, challenge outdated criminalization laws, and honor the elders we lost during the AIDS crisis? We speak about the “emotional scaffolding” needed for HIV disclosure, the shift in the epidemic toward overseas-born communities, and why being told someone’s HIV status is a gift. You’ll also hear about the Let Them Know guide, the HIV Still Matters campaign, and Emil’s upcoming work exploring sex work and HIV. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Jake Neville, Jack Crnjanin
Equinox Clinic’s practice manager Ellis Nardella joins us in light of the clinic passes ten years of delivering Trans healthcare in Melbourne. They speak with Jack and Joel about the informed consent model that improved accessibility of gender affirming therapy replacement, the barriers that exist in accessing gender affirming healthcare, and Thorne Harbour Health’s work in building capacity for other GPs. We also deep dive into Queensland’s decision to pause public access to puberty blockers until 2031 and the real-world consequences for families seeking gender affirming care. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Joel Parker, Lewis (Yongmin) Liu, Jack Crnjanin
As part of this live panel discussion recorded Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), we discuss how to tangibly support trans and gender diverse communities without falling into tokenism. Our panel consists of: Hank Paul (they/them) from Transgender Victoria (TGV) Mill O’Sullivan (they/them) from Zoe Belle Gender Collective Jake Blessing (he/him) from Thorne Harbour Health’s Equinox Clinic Jesse (they/them), teacher and Doctor of Education Graduate Researcher Cal Hawk moderates the discussion which highlights the importance of listening to trans voices and sharing the burden of advocacy work. We also explore the eight core pledges of TGV’s TDOV campaign designed to support trans and gender diverse communities across Victoria. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Caleb Hawk, Jack Crnjanin
Vivek from the Queer South Asians of Melbourne (aka QSAM) joins Jack and Chiron to explore the unique challenges and joys of navigating queer identity within South Asian communities. We discuss isolation, cultural expectations, and how QSAM creates safe spaces through dance, film, theatre, and social events. Vivek shares powerful stories about members finding their tribe and the importance of representation. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Jack Crnjanin, Chiron Hooson
Jorge from LAHRC to explore how the Latin American and Hispanic Rainbow Community addresses isolation among queer migrants in Australia. Jack and Chiron speak with them about the group’s founding in 2016, their flagship Latinx Pride Festival, and cultural celebrations like Dia de los Muertos. Jorge also shares his journey hosting Verbena Radio on JOY and how storytelling connects people across borders. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au Produced by: Jack Crnjanin, Chiron Hooson
