Rescued

This week on Rescued , we head all the way to Townsville in Far North Queensland to meet a force of nature who is really trying to find stillness and peace: Madonna Davies . I first met Madonna 30 years ago, when one of my bands, Women in Docs, was starting out and playing the infamous Palm Creek Folk Festival. Madonna might not be a songwriter with tunes on Spotify or Bandcamp, but she is a theatre maker, venue manager, project coordinator, lead singer, band manager, festival director, partnerships coordinator, daughter, carer, partner, mother, rescuer and, above all, a connector. This is a broad-ranging conversation, and there are quite a few moments where I’m left going, “OMG. You’re right.” I found myself wondering how I could immediately implement some of Madonna’s wisdom into my own life. It’s a no-holds-barred conversation — full of f-bombs, heart, humour, honesty and some pretty raw revelations. Madonna Davies rocks. Enjoy.

This week on Rescued , meet Sarah Stockholm , Brisbane electro-pop princess by night, senior executive by day, chronic illness survivor, dog trainer, and devoted dog mum to two ridiculously clever Border Collies, one of whom who spends his days making life better for people living with mental health challenges. Sarah is one of those people who seems to have lived three lives already, She's whip-smart, wonderfully funny, deeply self-aware, and somewhere during this conversation we accidentally became each other’s public therapy session. We talk about dogs, supporting them to find their purpose in life, music, illness, ambition, finding your team, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up as yourself. I have a feeling you'll hear a little bit of your own story in Sarah's. I know I certainly heard a bit of mine.

This week on Rescued , meet Anje West ... and fair warning... this conversation might just change the way you think about making music (if that's your jam!) and maybe even life. Anje has been part of Queensland's music story for decades. She's the extraordinary force behind A View from Madeline's Couch , a fearless artist whose music is deeply inspired by the Portuguese traditions she loves, yet somehow sounds completely and unmistakably like Anje. When she's not on stage, she's championing other artists through Brisbane City Hall's concert series, proving that lifting others up is just as important as stepping into the spotlight yourself. I've admired Anje since her days in the legendary Flannelettes, and thanks to this conversation I've even managed to unearth one of those songs for you. But more than anything, Anje gave me something I'll carry long after the microphones were switched off. "Do it just like you... and your love of it will shine through." It's become a bit of a daily mantra for me. And maybe it will for you too. Meet Anje West. https://www.facebook.com/madeleinescouch/ https://linktr.ee/rozpappalardo https://linktr.ee/rozpappalardo

This week on Rescued , meet Sally-Anne Whitten — Tamworth born and bred, one of country music's quiet achievers, a songwriter who's spent more than twenty years doing things her own way, staying true to herself, lifting up the people around her, and rescuing a dog or two along the way. Sally's one of those people who makes authenticity look effortless. Her voice has shades of Linda Ronstadt, her songs have heart, and everything she touches seems to leave people feeling just a little bit better than before. We recently shared the stage together here in Tamworth, and more than a week later people are still talking about the show. I have a feeling you'll see why.

This week on Rescued , meet my old friend, the remarkable Donna Dyson; award-winning songwriter, former teacher and education lecturer, creator of the children's sensation Spotty Kites, devoted lover of Tibetan Spaniels and one of the most resilient people I know. Donna's path into a full-time creative life hasn't been straightforward, but it's been extraordinary. So, get ready! Because this is a conversation about determination, humour, loss, friendship, finding your place in the world... and the unexpected ways our dogs help us find the courage to keep going. https://www.donnadyson.com/songwriter https://linktr.ee/rozpappalardo

This week on Rescued , I'm spending some time with one of my songwriting heroes, Vikki Thorn from The Waifs, and her wonderful solo project, Thornbird. We chat about Nacho the rescue dog who quite literally changed the course of her family's life by keeping them in Australia during COVID , what he brings to Vikki, her husband and their kids, and Nacho’s rather impressive side hustle as an op shop dog. Vikki has been one of the most influential songwriters of my musical life, and I’m doing my best to convince her to come to Tamworth and do a two-hander with me. Consider that a public invitation, Vikki! Until then... here's the magnificent Vikki Thorn. You can find me, Roz Pappalardo, and my projects including Lontano, Women in Docs, and my theatre making work on all the socials. If you’re enjoying Rescued , please follow, rate and review ... it helps more people find these incredible women and their stories. Plus it gives the dog loves of my life Timmy, Lucky, Benji, Tiger, Snoopy 1 and 2, Whisky 1 and 2, Dusty, Rusty, Pirate, Ruby, Duke, Chevy, Bella, Dusky, Harry, Nala, now Star a voice forever more. As always a big thank you to Joanne Bell for her marketing and content support. Until next time make sure love your four-legged best friends with everything you’ve got… because every day counts.

This is Season 3 of Rescued, and on this episode I'm chatting with country darling Hayley Jensen about Australian Idol, Kylie Minogue, unhealthy relationships, healthy relationships, the way of the independent artist (close to my heart) and of course her furry bestie/s - Majestic the horse, amongst others four legged friends. If you’re enjoying Rescued , please follow, rate and review — it helps more people find these incredible women and their stories. Plus it gives the dog loves of my life Timmy, Lucky, Benji, Tiger, Snoopy 1 and 2, Whisky 1 and 2, Dusty, Rusty, Pirate, Ruby, Duke, Chevy, Bella, Dusky, Harry, Nala, now Star a voice forever more. As always a big thank you to Joanne Bell for her marketing and content support. Until next time, love your four-legged best friends with everything you’ve got… because every day counts.

Hey friends! This is just a quick note to let you know that Rescued is taking a short breather between Season Two and Season Three. I’m currently gathering some really special conversations for Season Three, which kicks off on 1 July , and it’s shaping up beautifully, if I do say so myself. In the meantime, we’ll be dropping a few little treats your way in the shape of playlists, phone-ins, bits and pieces to keep you company. But this week? I reckon go right back to the beginning. Revisit Leanne Tennant - @LT - who’s just released her banging new single Better . Check in with Emily Wurramara , who’s just announced she’s touring with Jack Johnson , Ben Harper and John Butler ! There’s Claire Ann Taylor , back in Tassie curating festivals and lighting up stages, and Carla Lippis , about to step into her first State Theatre season in The Importance of Being Earnest . And me? I’m about to head off to the Edinburgh Fringe with a new play… so yes, there’s a lot going on. So dive back in - there is so much to listen to across Seasons One and Two. Rescued is a podcast where Australian singer-songwriters share the stories of the animals who changed their lives, their art — and sometimes saved them. This isn’t just a podcast about dogs. It’s about people… who were rescued. Enjoy the back catalogue and I'll see you enroute to Season 3

In our Season Two finale, we meet formidable songwriter, producer and performer Sue Ray, and her trusty doggos - Barnsey and Bingo. A very special conversation, and a must-listen for neurospicy creatives. And some great insights into Sue's country music pedigree, including a cracking story about her guitarist father Owen Ray, his obsession with improving the design of famous guitars, and his friendship with Leo Fender. And so much more. Don't miss this one, this brilliant woman is one-of-a-kind, and her music is incredible. You can find Sue Ray on all the platforms and what’s more she’s about to put another record out, with a single due late May 2026. This album will me an absolutely cracker. Trust me! You can also find me, Roz Pappalardo, and my projects including Lontano and we just won the Ql Music Award for Best Blues and Roots song, Women in Docs and my theatre work across all socials. If you’re enjoying Rescued , please follow, rate and review as it helps more people find these incredible women and their stories. Big thanks, as always, to Joanne Bell for her marketing support. We’re taking a quick break while we put together season 3 - but don’t worry, we’ll drop you some little treats while you wait. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is rate, review and follow so we can continue to come back here, because, let’s face it, it’s a microphone and I'll wrestle you for it! Until next time, love your four-legged best friends with everything you’ve got… because every day counts. This is Rescued .

This week on Rescued , meet Sally Balfour - a Darwin local with a gentle presence and a quietly resilient core. She’s a singer-songwriter, children’s theatre maker, graphic designer, mum… and, as it turns out, a pretty strategic operator. I first stumbled across Sally at a Christmas show during my short stint in Darwin where she was the special guest at a Railway Club gig in Parap with Dave Garnham and the Choir of Man -(check them out - do!) - and honestly, she stole the show. Since then, I’ve kept bumping into her, from the Rails Club in Parap, Darwin, to the beautiful chaos of Tamworth Country Music Festival, where she was wrangling Northern Territory artists on Peel Street for a showcase, like an absolute pro. So, settle in with a cuppa, a wine or a Northern Territory coldie, no judgement here, and let’s hear from Alice Springs girl come good, Sally Balfour. Sally Balfour Facebook Sally Balfour Website (and links to Clara for the littlies!) Roz Pappalardo Website

This week on Rescued , meet Carla Lippis - a total firecracker of a woman who I first saw in the incredible theatre production Private View out of Restless Dance Theatre in Adelaide , a work that boldly challenges ideas around sexuality and disability. I then very casually stalked her at the Adelaide Fringe Festivalin 2023 where I was performing All Fired Up and she was tearing it up in The 27 Club (go see this show if it's every anywhere near you please!) and then, naturally, I stalked her again at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 until she finally came to see my show. She’s smart as a whip - a songwriter one day, a musical theatre composer the next and now appearing in State Theatre Company of South Australia’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest . I hope you love her as much as I do. Meet Carla Lippis. www.rozpappalardo.com Rescued Facebook Carla Lippis Facebook Restless Dance Theatre State Theatre Company South Australia - The Importance of Being Earnest

This is Rescued - a podcast created and edited by me, Roz Pappalardo, with creative support from Joanne Bell and production guidance from Melissa Robertson at Arts Nexus. If you’re loving the show, please follow, rate and review - it means a doggone lot us! Lyn Bowtell - a country darling with a gloriously luscious voice, who’s weathered her share of heartbreak and disappointment and come out the other side having found her person (and her dogs!).. a loving and funny conversation laced with life learnings and some well-timed business advice along the way. Thanks for listening, reviewing, rating and following and until next time, love your four-legged best friends with everything you’ve got… because every day counts. This is Rescued . 🐾💛

This week on Rescued we travel all the way to the glorious harbour city of Cork in Ireland to meet singer-songwriter Eavan O’Leary; a thoughtful, big-hearted, community-first kind of artist.Eavan isn’t chasing the traditional music industry dream. She’s building something much more meaningful right where she lives .... running community songwriting groups, facilitating wellbeing workshops in schools, and bringing people together through music in ways that genuinely change lives. In fact, she’s about to host a community songwriting festival in her hometown, creating space for everyday people to find their voice and tell their stories. She’s deeply loved in her community, fiercely committed to her family, and grounded in the belief that music belongs to everyone.In this episode, Eavan shares some very personal family stories that help explain why her dog Lyn is so important to them all. Lyn isn’t just a beloved pet - she’s an autism assistance dog whose presence has brought comfort, stability, and connection to their family in ways that are hard to put into words. Everyone, meet Eavan O’Leary.

This is Rescued , a podcast created and edited by me, Roz Pappalardo, with creative support from Joanne Bell and production guidance from Melissa Robertson at Arts Nexus. If you’re loving the show, please follow, rate and review ... it genuinely helps us live to see another day. This week I have the absolute pleasure of spending time with Brisbane’s quietly brilliant songwriter, Mardi Lumsden ... earnest, clever, disarmingly funny, and the proud dog mum of the magnificent Lulu… who is sixteen years old and still making guest appearances in songs, and it doesn't matter whether she has a tail or not! This is ICON behaviour people! Mardi’s a journalism graduate, a mum, a partner to a guitarist deep in a PhD about songwriting and place and she’s currently writing her first novel, which, let’s be honest, will probably turn into a musical. She’s also survived being told by a dog whisperer that her mum’s dog preferred her sister… which frankly feels like something to unpack in Season Three. please meet, Mardi Lumsden....

Rescued is a podcast created and edited by me, Roz Pappalardo, with creative support from Joanne Bell and production guidance from Melissa Robertson at Arts Nexus.In this episode meet the fearless, super fun, grounded and unstoppable spirit of Jayne Denham .... her independence, her honesty, her crazy sense of humour, her love of animals, her colouring her poodle pink and making the dog the pin up girl for her hair dressing salon when she lived in the Blue Mountains, and the way she’s built a life and career entirely on her own terms. The songs featured in this episode were Stacks, Rainstorm (featuring Troy Kemp), A Little Bit of Chick Ute, and Loving a Wild Thing Go and find Jayne’s music on Spotify, YouTube, and all the socials and dive into her catalogue, because my god this chick is one heck of a fire cracker and if you ever want someone to sing backing vocals, Jayne, call me .You can also find me, Roz Pappalardo, and my projects including Lontano, women in docs, and All Fired Up across all platforms and socials.Until next time, love your four-legged best friends with every ounce of your being, because, trust me, every day counts.This is Rescued.

Season One of Rescued has come to a close and before we launch into Season Two, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared, messaged, and supported the podcast so far. We’re taking a brief four-week production break between seasons, and in the meantime, I invite you to go back and revisit the beautiful stories from Season One featuring LT, Greta Stanley, Francesca de Valence, Claire Ann Taylor, Emily Wurramara, and me ... Roz Pappalardo. Season Two is in motion and will be dropping very soon. Until then, love your four-legged best friends fiercely because every day counts. This is Rescued .

I’m Roz Pappalardo, a songwriter, storyteller and creative producer, and for most of my life I’ve made sense of the world by turning it into songs and theatre. My work has taken me across stages, communities and collaborations, but underneath it all, art has always been how I survive.In this final episode of Season 1 of Rescued, I hand the microphone to Cairns-based arts campaigner Melissa Robertson and step into the vulnerable seat myself. We talk about creativity as a lifeline, about loss and reinvention, and about what it means to keep showing up when things fall apart.At the heart of this conversation is Pebbles, my rescue dog, who came into my life when I most needed grounding. Pebbles taught me how to slow down, soften, and stay present. This episode is about being rescued, by music, by community, and by a four-legged friend who quietly and absolutely changes everything.

Claire Anne Taylor is a Tasmanian-born singer-songwriter whose hauntingly raw voice and vivid storytelling reflect her upbringing in the ancient Tarkine rainforest. Raised in a barn-turned-home alongside five siblings, music and creativity were woven into her childhood, with some saying her distinctive raspy tone was inspired by listening to Tasmanian devils growling beneath the floorboards. After winning the Byron Bay Bluesfest Busking Competition, she recorded her acclaimed debut album Elemental (2016), which was praised as “strong and assured” and she was dubbed “a national treasure”. Her 2019 follow-up, All The Words , recorded in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, was lauded for its warmth and soul. In 2024, she released her third album, Giving It Away , a deeply personal record inspired by her son’s Angelman Syndrome diagnosis. The emotive, blues-tinged work was heralded as “authentic, organic, raw, and real,” with her voice described as “like cigarettes and whiskey”. Songs used in the podcast (written by Claire Anne Taylor) Keep on trucking Lay you down in the cold hard ground Giving it away The Fire (with Tessy the dog) SOCIALS ⁠https://www.facebook.com/claireannetaylormusic⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/claireannetaylor/⁠

Francesca de Valence is a multi-award-winning Australian songwriter, educator, and creative coach based in Brisbane. As the founder and CEO of the pioneering online community, I Heart Songwriting Club , she has sparked the creation of thousands of songs, empowering songwriters through weekly creative challenges. With a heroic catalogue exceeding 700 songs, including songwriting commissions by artists like Vika & Linda, Wendy Matthews, and more, Francesca’s influence stretches across continents. A recognised speaker and mentor, she’s delivered workshops and talks at major events and institutions including APRAAMCOS, Folk Alliance International and BIGSOUND. Her accolades include an International Songwriter of the Year Award from the LA Music Awards and an Australian Songwriting Award. Beyond writing music, Francesca hosts the thoughtful podcast The Magic of Songwriting , uses her Masters in Music Pedagogy to innovate in education, and is co-founder of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. And thanks to her I've written hundreds of songs. Songs featured Beautiful Night Put One Foot in Front of the Other I’ll be there for you (unreleased at time of writing) The Seine Socials https://www.facebook.com/iheartsongwritingclub https://www.instagram.com/iheartsongwritingclub https://www.facebook.com/fdvmusic https://www.instagram.com/fdvmusic/

Emily Wurramurra (also spelled Wurramara) is a celebrated Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter and producer, proudly Warnindhilyagwa, hailing from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory. Raised on the Gulf of Carpentaria islands before moving to Brisbane at age six, her artistry entwines stories of family, culture, and country, delivered in both English and her ancestral tongue, Anindilyakwa. Her debut EP Black Smoke (2016) earned her a Queensland Music Award, followed by her debut album Milyakburra (2018),named for her ancestral island, which won Best Independent Blues & Roots Album at the 2019 AIR Awards and drew ARIA and regional acclaim. In 2024, Emily released her bold sophomore album Nara , Anindilyakwa for “nothing”, on ABC Music. It won the ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album, making her the first Indigenous woman to do so. A multi-award-winning artist with six Queensland Music Awards to her name, Emily tours nationally while blending genres from folk and indie to R&B and electronic creating emotionally powerful music rooted in strength, healing, and cultural celebration. SONGS Black Smoke, Midnight Blues, Magic Woman Dancing, Ngarrukwujenama, Cruisin’ STFAFM SOCIALS Website Instagram Spotify AppleMusic Soundcloud Youtube