Podcasts – The Chattering Classes

Episode 211: I Don’t Go Across the Street

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Alyson came back to chat with me some more. We discuss a lot about being characters from older times, the odd things customers say, book recommendations and oiled moustaches. We then discuss our kids and how they suddenly want to know the family history.

(48 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 1/5/26)

Episode 210: 25 for 25 Part 2

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:06:40 +0000

We are back to finish off the rest of the century so far. We are starting in 2013, covering some unanswered questions and taking our sweet time getting to last year. Wiggo and Nick also give their picks from the years as well. Grab a pen or open a doc and start doing your homework, or listen to 3 people talk a lot about things they like.

(110 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 23/1/26)

Episode 209: 25 for 25 Part 1

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Well hello old friends, we are back for a soft return. I thought I’d do a little project to amuse myself and I brought along Wiggo and Nick. We discuss my 25 films of the century so far. I pick one film per year. We also discuss other movies from the year and we talk so much it must be in 2 parts.

It’s nice to be back.

(92 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 16/1/26)

Episode 208: Zero wicking in the 90s

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

It’s the soft ending of the podcast you’ve come to know and like over the past 12 years and joining me for this rude surprise is Nick, Wiggo and Alyson for the last time . . . maybe. We talk about stopping things we’ve enjoyed, and the need to pivot and pivot and pivot. We also talk a fair bit about chafe. Thank you for listening.

(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/7/25)

Episode 207: The Good Subconscious Mud

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Author Inga Simpson (Willowman, Mr Wigg) joins me once again to talk about her latest book, The Thinning. It’s a book about hope and action against things we do and don’t notice. That’s pretty vague but I don’t like spoilers. It’s a really good. We talk about writing in voice, the struggle of connecting ideas, the stars, darkness. We mention someone we shouldn’t and they messed with the internet connection.

Check out Inga’s works here.

(40 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 18/4/25)

Episode 206: Earthworms! LIVE!

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Alyson and Wiggo join me to discuss a lot of stuff. Have we saved lives? Yes! Human lives? Find out. 1 band and 2 singers of discussion, what are the red flags we see in ourselves, how we were liars in our adolescence, and what it feels to be the heartbreaker.

(58 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 11/4/25)

Episode 205: 75 Year Old Poppy

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

My dad spoke with me on the mic for the first time in 9 years. It was the day before he turned 75 and we discuss how that feels, and how it feels to see things change around you when you have lived in the same place for 5 decades.Dad likes to tell a story so we go all over the place and some things may be confusing for those not in the family.

Happy 75th Pedro.

(46 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/4/25)

Episode 204: Apologising Year

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Adam Lovgren joins me in the season opener to talk about how the US is going about now. We recorded just after the California fires and we discussed these, and our kids moving on without us. We then get into a big life change for Adam and the impacts on various things in his life.

(62 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 28/3/25)

Episode 203: 2024 End of Year Solo

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

To end the year I go over the films, books and music I’ve enjoyed throughout the year. It’s just me talking. Merry New Year to you all from all of us at The Chatterings. See you in the new year.

(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31/12/24)

Episode 202: You Always Die at the Wrong Time

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The 4 of us from the 200th are back for the season finale where we go through all the questions we hadn’t got to before. Funeral ideas, problematic sports, hot chips, art and artists, teaching strategies and unused talents. I also tell a story previously unheard on this podcast that is pretty weird.

Thank you for joining us beyond 200. See you next year.

(90 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29/11/24)

Episode 201: Playing with the Sisters

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Emily Squires joins me again to discuss many things about books and how creativity works. We go over miscommunication with your children and how to weigh up decisions that impact our kids. We also discover a book that the New York Times described as ‘Surprisingly tedious.’

(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 22/11/24)

Episode 200 Part 2: The Wild West of Brain Slop

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The four of us are back, after some sound mishaps, and we finish answering questions for the 200th episode spectacular. We cover the nice times of your courtships, the books we would write but can’t find, Simpsons references galore and time dilation, time travel, and other careers. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions and to all the listeners.

(77 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 15/11/24)

Episode 200: Petrol Station Flowers

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The 200th Episode is here and it is spectacular. I start the podcast with the producer Nick answering questions from people from the show’s past, but the mood changes with some special guests dropping by and much fun was had. We go through stupidity, delight, care and night flies.

Join us next week for part 2 of the 200th.

(76 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 8/11/24)

Episode 199: The Adventures of Sticky and Claggy

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Alyson asked me a question for the 200th episode but I thought we could spend a while discussing our shared history. But of course we get sidetracked immediately by ocean temperature, literary jaunts and severe haircuts. Plus we keep the tape running and finish the pod with an awesome chat about much more important things like life, love and grief.

(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 1/11/24)

Episode 198: You’re Allowed to Make a Mess of It

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

My kids introduced me to Nova Weetman’s books and then I’ve taught her novels to students, so this was a great time for me. We discuss her writing process, Koala nocturnal habits, interconnectedness and talking to young people. You can find all of Nova’s books through https://www.novaweetman.com.au

(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 18/10/24)

Episode 197: Sitting in the Pie

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Angela Ward and I recorded in front of very large windows looking over a golf course so we got very distracted from the start. Started off talking about golf, a couple of interruptions along the way, until we discussed teaching in Inclusion Support. Angela and I talk about the finer points of supporting students, parents and teachers. We also discuss the art of contextual professionalism.

(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 11/10/24)

Episode 196: I Don’t Want People to Think Things

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Nick, the producer, joins me in this mini episode, to talk about the weird kids at school, self-acceptance and affectations. We then unpack a compliment and the ways our brains operate under pressure. Nick goes out of focus, which is NOT a metaphor.

(34 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 4/10/24)

Episode 195: Below the Line Finger Pointing

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Wiggo and Alyson join me to talk about travelling about the world with and without your children. We have a somewhat serious medical chat, that I wasn’t sure I should leave in. But then we go onto discussions of travelling gratitude with kids, how many layers are too many in the airport and how bad it is when your child says, ‘I don’t feel well.’ Glasses on.

(64 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 27/09/24)

Episode 194: The Squishy Sisters

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Sasha and Alyson, the front office ladies, are back to discuss their friendship in more depth than ever before. We go over the morning after pub carpet breath musk. How did they deal with rude teachers and how did they support the people who needed it most? How do they challenge each other and what impresses them about each other? Still the most in sync answers.

(60 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 6/09/24)

Episode 193: Widow Spirits

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Leon Braun is back for the sequel to discuss his knowledge of Thailand and Laos, the connection to a famous Horror series, and the things that happen when we sleep. We finally get to the life of a diplomat living in Tonga with 3 children and what that teaches you about the world and the changes in perspective.

(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 30/08/24)

Episode 192: Brain Sorbet

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Rach and Stu, the hosts of ‘Swinging on the Flippity Flop’ join me to talk about the 90s and all the other things. Corey Haim or Corey Feldman? Pauly Shore or Edward Furlong? The surprising movie Stu has in his top 5 and a few forgotten classics. We discuss how they met and came to make my favourite 90s themed podcast. And of course, Degrassi Chat.

(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 23/08/24)

Episode 191: The Sister You Choose

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The Mouse and the Flasha join me to discuss a friendship spanning 5 decades, many jobs, children, life changes and netball vomits. Alyson and Sasha were the ‘Front office ladies of Front office ladies.’ We didn’t even get to the 10 questions about their friendship and so we shall chat again. What did they see from the hub of the community? Language Warning.

(55 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 16/08/24)

Episode 190: Iceberg Terminator

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Leon Braun has led an interesting life, and has taken his family all around the world. However we didn’t get to it in this episode, because we got started on movies and that could’ve gone on for hours. We will meet up again soon to talk about the actual stuff. For the Sequel if you will.

(47 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 9/08/24)

Episode 189: No Offence to Leicester

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Hannah Venn Brown has had a busy time since I spoke with her last. We cover a few big events and surprises that have come her way. Amongst the basketball and Olympics chat we also explore Allyship, Dry July, having children at a young age and being an empty nester in your mid 40s.

(51 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 2/08/24)

Episode 188: Double Billboard

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Producer Nick, host me and Wiggins to discuss our friendship. Nick asks very very good questions, plus there are so many tangents. It was hard to work out what to call this episode. What makes friends link to each other over time and what movie is most like us? Do we answer those questions – not well.

(53 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 26/07/24)

Episode 187: Fascinating Spreadsheets

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Natalia is back to talk about her first year as a parent. We cover all the ways that we are challenged in the first year, what has been learned and what can be put into a spreadsheet for further reference. I also ask Natalia to look backwards and forwards at the same time in this brisk window of child free time.

(35 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 19/07/24)

Episode 186: A Drunk 3 Year Old

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Emily joins me again for the 5th visit into her world of parenting. We’ve done an interview every July since she became pregnant and now we are dealing with a nearly 3 year old. We talk about the perceptions of old when you get older, bringing impractical things on holidays, and persuading people into cars. Emily wants everyone to know she is 33. Not 34.

(53 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 12/07/24)

Episode 185: Two Hands of Friends

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Nick Maniatis (The Producer) and Melissa Beattie join me to talk about their friendship throughout the years. We talk about enjoying things with a different brain, love of really scary films, honesty in uncomfortability and being there. This one gets a bit intense in places and we will have to return for another round.

(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 5/07/24)

Episode 184: Half Yearly Solo Man

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0000

I decided to record a half year solo podcast to cover some great films and books I’ve got into so far in 2024. It’s just me rambling on too long, and then I am joined by Justine to discuss the grossest movie we have seen in a long long time. You won’t forget the crunch!

(57 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 28/06/24)

Episode 183: Full Exposure

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:50:00 +0000

The middle brother, Jason, joins me to have a discussion about big and small things. What is it like when your brother turns 50? Why did having children change Jurassic Park? Parents passing on sporting ideals and pain, being awarded things in front of your peers and cracky creaky feet.

(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 21/06/24)

Episode 182: In General You Are Wrong

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Chezza (Episode 150) brings another friend to the podcast. Amy Wickerson joins us to discuss their 10 years of friendship, forced proximity and marriage counselling. We really get into how difficult it is to be dismissed in your job and training when you are in your mid 20s.

(43 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 14/06/24)

Episode 181: A Butcher’s Dog

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 31 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Alyson is back to discuss how it has been zero days since…We cover all manner of things, such as odd parent interactions, Analogy Lad, wanting to be horizontal and a bad case of organ pitch. Obscure question, but is the butcher’s moustache grey or jet black?

(Issues resolved, I think – Nick)

(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31/05/24)

Episode 180: No Logical Thoughts

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 24 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The siblings are back to get loopy to cover the past 40 odd years. We discuss waking up in gardens, match flicking in public toilets, hidden talents and annoying habits. Why does white bread make Claire so angry and what is your north star?

(56 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.4 mb – 24/05/24)

Episode 179: You’re No Taller Than Us

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The siblings, Ben and Claire join me to discuss all things brotherly and sisterly. Before we even get to that Claire takes us through her absolutely gnarly car accident story. Plenty of all over the place chat, East 17, Soup, treasure hunts, dancing and tackling in the lounge room. How many variables are in your house?

(51 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 34.9 mb – 17/05/24)

Episode 178: Get on the Mini-Train

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 10 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Katherine Tammaro is mighty. I’ve known Katherine since a diminutive year 7 student marched through the door. In our chat we cover those teenage years, our 2012 school trip to Japan, dance lessons, Victorian era toilets and I guess slightly wrong what ornamental things Katherine has collected.

(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 36.1 mb – 10/05/24)

Episode 177: I Get Annoyed by Happiness

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 03 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000

I am joined by two lovely friends, Ludwik and Emily, for a chat about their friendship for the past 11 years. Both were students of mine in 2018-19 and had very different experiences in English. They discuss what values they teach each other, how they make each other do the hard things and not worry so much. The origin story of ‘The Thinius Card’ is explained too.

(45 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 30.9 mb – 3/05/24)

Episode 176: My Day of Job

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Amber Quigley (Episode 137) was once a student in my English class and is now an Art and English teacher. We talked about their love of ceramics, being a glass sibling, being a man stealer, and the benefit of knowing all the places in the school to hide.

(50 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 35.5 mb – 26/04/24)

Episode 175: Slapped About The Chops

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Alyson Hill joins me yet again for a virtual coffee catch up. I had a series of questions prepared and at the end of the interview Alyson wondered if she answered any of them. It doesn’t matter because we have more cartoon accordion spines to talk about, a healthy dose of poopin and stoopin, and some seasonal priorities. We got lost in some weather and ailment chat too.

(52 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 35.9 mb – 5/04/24)

Episode 174: Slightly Different Suburbs

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Nick Maniatis and Wiggo are back and we are chock full of metaphors and imagery. Plasticine man, arms and hands, tetris bodies and hats on top of hats. We go over our friendship again and discuss the specificity of our brain talk, singing and supporting each other. Nick tells us about incredible internal building and sentences are uttered that have never been said before. Why is Nick in the boot of the car?

(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 44.9 mb – 29/03/24)

Episode 173: I’ve Never Made a Bed in My Life

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Adam Bode joins me for the first time but not for the last time. Adam has done many amazing things, studying gymnastics in Texas (they are skills not moves or tricks), studied a language, danced the night away, is currently studying biological anthropology, and a fascinating psychological phenomenon we all will be familiar with.

Got more questions for Adam – please send them through to chatteringpod@gmail.com

(46 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 34.4 mb – 22/03/24)

Episode 172: Wearing Each Other’s Faces

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Wiggo takes over the hosting job and talks to Nick Maniatis and me about the 17 years we’ve known each other. The intensity of discussion, fandom and interests and my issue with skipping between my two friends. Which sports make us lose it and how we think about what the other person is thinking. Vague scary movie descriptions scared Ben too.

(57 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 39.4 mb – 15/03/24)

Episode 171: Oscars 2024

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

My lovely wife joins me again to discuss the 10 nominees for best picture at this years’ Academy Awards. I just really liked all of the 10 films and wanted to talk about them. We go over the films that we absolutely loved and the performer Justine would love even if he smelled really bad. Which of the 10 will win?

Who cares, judging art is pretty silly.

(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 49.3 mb – 8/03/24)

Episode 170: A Museum of Myself

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Stu is back to talk about what we wanted to talk about last time (ep 167). Of course we start off with some real obscurity – the 60s classic ‘Danger Man’ which was not at all classic. We then get to The Beatles – ‘Now and Then’. What was a connection to the Fab Four and how we are more into the academic side of the Beatles and not our other favourites. Features the phrase ‘A totally vomitous bridge.’

(52 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 38.2 mb – 5/01/24)

Episode 169: The Solo 2023 Year Review

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

The host goes alone with the traditional end of year pod. I look over my favourite movies, music and books I’ve got to this year. This isn’t a ‘best of the year’ – just the best stuff I’ve found. See you in 2024 Chatterinos.

(67 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 48.9 mb – 29/12/23)

Episode 168: The Positive Glider

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

The friendly train rolls into the station once again as Alyson and Wiggo join me to talk over shared histories. We start with a bit of Vanuti corner, and then go over Alyson’s Moroccan and Spanish adventures.. We look at some of the past 30 odd years of friendship, such as What is the oldest shared joke we have? What were we like at school, with each other, and elsewhere? We had a delicious time. Try some Ethan Hawke Butt Jerky.

(81 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 55.5 mb – 22/12/23)

Episode 167: Crazy Matt’s Morning Show

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Stuart Buckland (podcast host of Dad Pants, Bit Weird but Fair Enough (I Guess), What’s The Go and the Angry Chimp) to talk about a bunch of stuff that we never got to. We immediately got derailed by a discussion of 80s classic tv. We cover how we hide our love of obscurity and Kid lobbing. We do a bit of an origin story of our podcasting and Stu starts asking me the questions.

(58 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 40.6 mb – 15/12/23)

Episode 166: Potter and Forage

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Karen Rockawin (Team Competent – Ep 144) joins me to discuss the fact that she has three weeks till retirement. We discuss the idea of ‘just being’ and not needing to fill time with activities, and having more to life than the job you’ve done for 30 years. A lack of ambition or a reason to not want to work. What are the rewards of our job that most people don’t see.

(42 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 29.4 mb – 8/12/23)

Episode 165: A Cider on the Mountain

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Nick Maniatis went on a solo trip to Tasmania and had some adventures. But before we briefly discuss that we talk for quite a while about movies, music and memory slips. A lot of drive in chat. And of course we discuss Taylor Swift and the experience of cultivating a situation and leaving early. Then I ask a question which changes everything.

(62 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 43.9 mb – 1/12/23)

Episode 164: Too Much Brain and Not Enough Toilet Seats

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Nicole is back (Episode 123 – The Walrus Gang) to discuss burning down the guilt factory for everyone’s benefit. We talk about the same issues of control and patience and letting things be a bit crap for a while when needed. We are both tired and distracted throughout, hence the title.

(44 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 31.7 mb – 24/11/23)

Episode 163: Flat Pedalled Beachmaster

chatteringpod@gmail.com (Matt Barry) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Drez joins me to be double poppin after a slow old start. We cover the fluctuations of age, being insulted by your children, very specific insults, realising a special time when it’s happening, and storm chasing. Drez is always up to a new obsession, and this time is no different. Drez makes me sweat by confronting me with a phobia. We then cover his upcoming court case with a famous figure. Will get the platinum tier videos going soon.

(54 mins – Right click / long press here to download – 38.6 mb – 17/11/23)