Heaps Creative | Podcast on RSS.com

Heaps Creative

by Tyler Jackson Chappell

Farrin Foster - Writer, Editor & Occasional Filmmaker

Farrin Foster is an editor, writer, and occasional film-maker. She is currently the founding editor of Splinter literary journal, and was previously the editor of independent masthead CityMag. Farrin has worked extensively as a journalist and a writer and has been published by titles like the Guardian, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings, and The Big Issue. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell Recorded on Ngarrindjeri/ Ramindjeri land on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Links: Splinter Journal https://splinterjournal.com/ Farrin Foster https://farrinfoster.com/ Tyrone Ormsby https://tyroneormsby.com/ Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcom https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1989/03/13/the-journalist-and-the-murderer-i Ballkids on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/au/title/82635442 CityMag https://www.indailysa.com.au/citymag Writers SA https://writerssa.org.au/ Authors ditch University of Queensland Press after Indigenous kids book pulled for 'anti-Semitism' of illustrator https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-23/authors-quit-university-of-queensland-press-jazz-money-matt-chun/106596326 Why MasterChef is a Masterclass in Australian Propaganda by Farrin Foster https://www.killyourdarlings.com.au/article/why-masterchef-is-a-masterclass-in-australian-propaganda/ Amra Pajalic https://www.amrapajalic.com/ Ellena Savage https://ellenasavage.com/ Sick Note by Olivia De Zilva https://www.pinkshortspress.com.au/books/p/sick-note?srsltid=AfmBOorCLw98ZnLcPpoDxtRZ5GkB7UsHpW3A-mdqJIMRBCKOBxEauWoK Rat Daniels by Alex Sawyer https://www.hachette.com.au/alex-sawyer/rat-daniels How to Emerge by Jill Jones https://vagabondpress.net/products/jill-jones-how-to-emerge

Tom Ling - Photographer & Educator

Tom Ling is a South Australian based photographer, educator, documentor of space and time and conversational wizard. A profoundly deep thinker, every question I asked him about his work resulted in a cornucopia of insights about the creative practice. Tom boasts an extensive list of clients and collaborators and he was just last year, recognised as a finalist in the Bowness Photography Prize, Australia’s richest photography prize, with the work exhibited at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh). Tom is someone who has very intentionally made decisions to lead a prolific and rewarding creative life; an example of all the things this show is about. Recorded on Ngarrindjeri/ Ramindjeri land on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Links: Website https://thomasling.com.au/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_brotherfish/ https://www.instagram.com/tomling.jpg/ Hart Avenue https://thomasling.com.au/Hart-Avenue-Exhibition Carpark Stories https://thomasling.com.au/Carpark-Stories-Book-Exhibition Museum of Australian Photography https://maph.org.au/artists/934/ Ailish Ling on the podcast https://rss.com/podcasts/heaps-creative/2774287

Kristen Cowell - Graphic Designer & Founder of Kenjo Studio

Kristen Cowell is the founder of Kenjo Studio, a branding and design studio based in Middleton, South Australia. After 10 years of design school and agency work she decided it was time to take the leap and start her own design studio. Kristen works closely with clients as she turns ideas into cohesive, personality-driven brands that move beyond templates and passing trends. Kenjo Studio perfectly balances their own style and the unique needs of their clients with bold and ambitious designs. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell Recorded on Ngarrindjeri/ Ramindjeri land on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Links: Kenjo Studio website https://www.kenjostudio.com.au/ Kenjo Studio instagram https://www.instagram.com/kenjo_studio/ Kenjo Studio projects https://www.kenjostudio.com.au/projects Lor Vis https://www.lorvismedia.com/

Nathan Lean - Surfboard Shaper (Sticks by Sticks)

Nathan Lean aka Sticks of Sticks by Sticks. Nathan is the creator of spiritual chariots and foam dance floors. Through the act of shaping surfboards Nathan explores creativity and connection to nature and his fellow humans. Nathan is at heart a teacher, one who respects the importance of lineage but who is also more than happy to share his knowledge with anyone who shows a genuine interest. Nathan is creating functional sculptures in an iterative process driven by community so enjoy and make sure to shop local. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell Recorded on Ngarrindjeri/ Ramindjeri land on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Links: Nathan’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nathanlean_/ Sticks by Sticks https://www.instagram.com/sticksbysticks/ Nathan’s voiceover work https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVXop42gdOs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Some of Nathan’s boards https://www.yeohaus.com/collections/surfboards Nathan’s mentions for SA shapers: Gravelle Surfboards https://gravellesurfboards.com.au/ The Ding King Leighton Clark https://www.facebook.com/thedingkingAUS/ Fried Surfboards https://www.instagram.com/fried._stf/ 96 Surfboards https://www.instagram.com/ninetysixsurf/ Robin Surfboards https://www.instagram.com/robinsurfboards/

Emily Hart - Publisher & Founder of Pink Shorts Press

Emily Hart is publisher and co-founder of Pink Shorts Press. She was previously publisher at Hardie Grant Books, and before that worked at Wakefield Press and Dillons Bookshop. She was named the book industry’s Rising Star in 2022. As well as bookselling, ghostwriting and art teaching, she also has experience (and a degree) in marketing and brand voice which is super evident in the distinct look and feel that herself and Margot Lloyd have created at Pink Shorts. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell This conversation was recorded on the land of the Karuna people of the Adelaide plains. Links: Pink Shorts Press https://www.pinkshortspress.com.au/ Buy Pink Shorts books https://www.pinkshortspress.com.au/books Pink Shorts Press on Substack https://pinkshortspress.substack.com/ Pink Shorts on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pinkshortspress/ Akiko Chan (designer) https://akikochan.com/index.html Splinter Journal https://splinterjournal.com/ caps lock https://www.instagram.com/capslock.adl/ Goodwood Books https://www.goodwoodbooks.com.au/

Ailish Ling - Ceramicist, collage artist & teacher

Ailish Ling is a South Australian based artist driven by a desire to bring people together through a shared love of collage, clay and the practice of bringing elements of the outside in. Haus Collage & Stoneware is a space where her two favourite mediums collide, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape and the human form. Her work dives into the contemporary whilst holding onto and utilising traditional methods. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell Recorded on Ngarrindjeri land on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Links: Zen Panda https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/zen-panda Haus Collage & Stoneware Instagram https://www.instagram.com/haus_collage_and_stoneware/ Haus Collage & Stoneware https://ailishling.wixsite.com/website-1?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnh9qBW5y9XsBuWlsjZ8mAkMNlzuU8rEtCl4apCvC_KN-rVP3ZshisFS9oOkg_aem_R0EA4ECCMZFWCKFG9lnBkA Ailish in Fleurieu Living Magazine https://issuu.com/fleurieu-living/docs/flm_winter_2021/s/13365983 1000 Vases 2021 Milan https://www.1000vases.com/milan-2021/xpddlciut1rlsljc72rnwwcj4knkvn

Mike Ladd - Poet & Host of Poetica (ABC Radio)

Mike Ladd is a poet, essayist and reviewer. He has published ten collections of poetry and prose, including the natural history haibun Karrawirra Parri, Walking the Torrens from Source to Sea (2012) and Dream Tetras (2022) an experimental collaboration with visual artist Cathy Brooks. Mike worked for ABC Radio for nearly forty years and was the editor of Radio National’s Poetica program. His new and selected poems Now Then (2025) is published by Wakefield Press. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell This conversation was recorded on the land of the Karuna people of the Adelaide plains. Links: Mike at Friendly Street Poets https://friendlystreetpoets.org.au/poetry/sample-of-poets/ladd/ Poetica https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/poetica Signs of Life https://www.iangibbins.com.au/projects/signs-of-life-bowen-street/ Mike’s Books: Dream Tetras https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/product/dream-tetras/ Invisible Mending https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/product/invisible-mending/ Now-Then https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/product/now-then/ Karrawirra Parri https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/product/karrawirra-parri/

Chris Summer - Painter

Chris Summer is a self-taught contemporary artist who specializes in hyper-realistic still-life compositions, often focusing on natural subjects like feathers, shells, and urchins. He now lives and works on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, having relocated from London. His works are known for fine detail and can take up to 200 hours to complete. Chris has been recognized in prestigious prizes including 2026 - Winner: 'City Of Victor Harbor' Award at the Victor Harbor Art Show, he’s represented by Art Images Gallery and Artworx Gallery. Chris appreciates the balance between creativity and commerce, recognizing that embracing the commercial side of art allows him to continue creating. While his creative process is meticulous, he sees each piece as a learning experience. This synergy allows his work to reach collectors who appreciate both the craftsmanship and the connection to everyday beauty. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell This conversation was recorded on Ngarrindjeri/ Ramijndjeri land. Links: Chris’s website - https://www.chrissummer.com.au/ Chris’s instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chris_summer_art?igsh=MTc3a3JyNWw2NGtyNQ== Art Images Gallery - https://artimagesgallery.com.au/pages/exhibitions Artwork Gallery - https://www.artworxgallery.com.au/artworx-artists/chris-summer Insubstantial - https://www.chrissummer.com.au/portfolio-feather?lightbox=dataItem-m3c5cm9l1 Chris’s Portfolio - https://www.chrissummer.com.au/portfolio

Olivia De Zilva - Writer & Poet

Olivia De Zilva is a writer based in Kaurna Yerta (Adelaide). Her novel Plastic Budgie was released in July 2025 by Pink Shorts Press. Her novella Eggshell was released by Spineless Wonders in November 2025. Her fiction and essays have appeared in The Guardian, SBS, The Saturday Paper, Mascara Literary Review and many other publications. Olivia's writing has been shortlisted by the Richell Prize, The Kat Muscat Fellowship, The Deborah Cass award and recently, was the inaugural winner of the AAWP Novella Prize. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell This conversation was recorded on Ngarrindjeri/ Ramindjeri land. Links: Olivia’s website - https://oliviadezilva.com/ Olivia’s instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oliviadezilva/ Opinionated Bookclub instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opinionatedclub/ Plastic Budgie - https://www.pinkshortspress.com.au/books/p/plastic-budgie?srsltid=AfmBOooOFw5Yssla4snXZg5HdMxVJIi3EFQgrcmeSGK1u0XgZgDV3eiC Eggshell - https://shortaustralianstories.com.au/product/eggshell/ Olivia on The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/aug/28/olivia-de-zilva-the-10-funniest-things-i-have-ever-seen-on-the-internet https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/dec/03/the-moment-i-knew-i-watched-him-nurse-our-pet-rabbit-to-health-and-i-felt-at-peace Pink Shorts Press - https://www.pinkshortspress.com.au/ Matt Hooton’s book Everything Lost, Everything Found - https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460765869/everything-lost-everything-found-perfect-for-readers-of-the-midnight-watch-and-the-last-painting-of-sara-de-vos/ Splinter Journal - https://splinterjournal.com/

Leah Grace - Arts & Cultural Development Officer

In this interview I was lucky enough to sit down with Leah Gace. Leah is a self described arts worker employed by a non-arts entity. For the last almost 19 years she has acted and evolved in the role of arts and cultural development officer for Alexandrina council. There are very few people able to walk the line of government and the arts as gracefully and successfully as Leah; she is uniquely situated in the arts world and has insights rarely found. Her years of experience and unwavering enthusiasm have generated a wealth of knowledge, some of which she was kind enough to share. Hosted by Tyler Jackson Chappell This conversation was recorded at the South Coast Regional Arts Centre on Ngarrindjeri land. Links: Signal Point Gallery https://www.rgasa.org.au/signalpointgallery Signal Point Experience Centre https://www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/discover/signal-point-experience-centre South Coast Regional Arts Centre https://www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/discover/venuesandhire/south-coast-regional-arts-centre2