In this festive edition of Strange Brew, Caroline C.P. Murphy is joined by acclaimed Australian actor Tiriel Mora for a wide-ranging, intimate, and warmly conversational hour of radio. Known for his roles in The Castle, Frontline, King Kong, and numerous film and television classics, Tiriel reflects on a life shaped by art, food, and performance.

Tiriel shares stories of growing up in Melbourne among some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, his journey into acting (with a particular love for comedy), and memorable experiences working alongside Rob Sitch, Jack Black, and Naomi Watts. The conversation moves effortlessly from cult Australian cinema and the enduring legacy of The Castle, to the realities of film sets, comedy’s hidden difficulties, and the personal origins of his distinctive name.

Along the way, Caroline and Tiriel digress joyfully into truffle hunting in Oberon, food memories, Melbourne cafés, and the evolving Blue Mountains dining scene, highlighting local favourites and upcoming venues. The episode is soundtracked by thoughtfully chosen music from Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, and Lou Reed, adding depth and atmosphere to an already rich exchange.

Relaxed, reflective, and full of cultural insight, this episode of Strange Brew blends storytelling, music, food, film, and local colour — a perfect listen for the end-of-year season.

Strange Brew – Special Wednesday Soundscape Edition (10 September 2025)

In this special midweek edition of Strange Brew on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, host Caroline “C.P.” Paidasch Murphy steps away from her usual Monday slot to bring listeners a dreamy, restorative soundscape for a misty Blue Mountains afternoon.

Blending Celtic and Nordic-inspired tracks with lush dream pop and healing vibes, Caroline sets the tone for a reflective session of music and atmosphere. Joining her live in the studio is local sound healer Margot Tago, who shares her Tibetan singing bowls and insights into the art of sound baths. Later in the program, Caroline is also joined by her friend Vala, co-host of The Feminine Take podcast, adding another warm and thoughtful voice to the mix.

Light some incense, tune in, and let this special Strange Brew episode wash over you like a sonic spa for the soul.

“Cardboard Beats and Winter MAgic: Devious Charmers Keep It Real”

🎧 Episode Description:
Welcome to Strange Brew, your eclectic Monday afternoon mixtape on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, hosted by the inimitable Caroline “CP” Murphy. This episode, broadcast on Monday June 16, is a sonic journey that begins with ambient textures and introspective downtempo, then veers into art punk with a live studio visit from Blue Mountains’ own Devious Charmers.

Set against a crisp winter’s day with blue skies and a brisk 12°C breeze, CP sets the mood with atmospheric gems from Paul Mac, Sluznik Luna, Petri Alanko, and AIR, weaving in cultural notes from global awareness days like World Sea Turtle Day and National Fudge Day (yes, really). A detour into the Norm Chomsky Global Sonic Project adds intellectual weight to the first hour, blending philosophy, sound design, and activism.

Then, at the top of the second hour, we welcome special guest Coen Acton, frontman and songwriter for Devious Charmers, a local four-piece indie rock outfit rapidly evolving their sound from grungy rock roots to melodic, crowd-friendly pop. Coen discusses their stylistic influences—The Strokes, The Modern Lovers, Julia Jacklin, Cloud Control—and how their music is a love letter to the Blue Mountains itself, with tracks like Love on Katoomba Street and Opal Card Blues.

The band is launching their new album “Carro Lawn Hangs” this Saturday with two gigs at the 2025 Winter Magic Festival: 9AM on the Carrington Hotel lawn and 6:30PM at The Family Hotel. Coen also opens up about the joys and realities of being a young musician today—from gigging and recording, to navigating band dynamics and dreams of finding a trusted manager.

Other treats in the episode include:

a cult-fave track by Television,

a delightfully raw performance anecdote about drumming on cardboard boxes à la Violent Femmes,

and CP’s warm, whimsical commentary on everything from youth culture to Monty the station cat.

Whether you’re tuning in for music discovery, local talent, or Caroline’s brilliantly unpredictable hosting style, this is an episode that captures the spirit of DIY music and the creative pulse of the Blue Mountains.

💿 Playlist Highlights Include:

“Seeking a Home in the Goldilocks Zone” – Paul Mac

“The Elegance of Beauty” – Sluznik Luna / Petri Alanko / Ian Urbina (The Norm Chomsky Project)

“Kelly Watch the Stars” – AIR

“Music When Soft Voices Die” – Shelley & Vincent Price

“Hello Gallo” – NEU!

“Mr. Soul” – Buffalo Springfield

“Marquee Moon” – Television

“Astral Plane” – The Modern Lovers

…and exclusive live previews from Devious Charmers’ new album

📍 Tune in live every Monday from 12–2PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM or stream online at rbm.org.au.

Broadcast Title: Amanda Lear – Muse, Mystery & Music | A Tribute Episode
Aired: Monday, 28 April | Radio Blue Mountains

In this extended special broadcast, we celebrate the extraordinary life, legacy, and continuing mystique of Amanda Lear — a truly original cultural icon whose career has spanned more than five decades across music, art, fashion, literature, and television. Broadcast on Monday 28th April, this episode is an immersive tribute to one of the most fascinating and unconventional figures of 20th and 21st century popular culture.

Best known for her deep, androgynous voice and flamboyant disco anthems, Amanda Lear has long been a figure who challenged and blurred the boundaries of identity, gender, and genre. But to confine her story to her disco-era fame would be to overlook the rich complexity and breadth of her artistic life.

The episode begins by tracing Lear’s early years, shrouded in as much myth as fact — from her exotic and often contradictory accounts of her origins, to her high-profile modelling career in the 1960s, gracing the covers of magazines and walking the runways for fashion’s elite. A muse to Salvador Dalí, Lear spent over 15 years in the surrealist master’s orbit, playing an integral role in both his art and his life. The nature of their intense and often cryptic relationship is explored through archived interviews, analysis, and reflections on how Dalí’s surrealism influenced Lear’s own visual and performance art.

As the 1970s dawned, Amanda Lear transformed again — this time stepping into the world spotlight as a pop singer during the golden age of European disco. Signed to Ariola Records and working with producer Anthony Monn, Lear became a symbol of glamorous defiance and sexual ambiguity. Her breakout single “Blood and Honey” led to a string of international hits including “Follow Me,” “Queen of Chinatown,” “Fashion Pack,” and “Enigma (Give a Bit of Mmh to Me).” These weren’t just catchy tunes — they were bold, self-styled manifestos of feminine power, camp performance, and postmodern flair.

The episode dives into the lyrical and cultural significance of these songs, exploring how Amanda Lear’s persona — half-diva, half-satirist — offered a subversive counter-narrative to mainstream pop stardom. Lear’s witty, theatrical approach to fame and identity resonates deeply within queer and LGBTQ+ communities, and her music continues to be celebrated for its unapologetic embrace of artifice, irony, and eroticism.

Listeners will also hear about her lesser-known roles as a painter, author, and television personality, especially in Italy and France where she has hosted talk shows, reality competitions, and continued releasing music well into the 2000s and beyond. Her multilingualism, her ability to reinvent, and her refusal to be easily labelled or dismissed, form part of the ongoing intrigue that surrounds her.

This episode features curated tracks from across Amanda Lear’s discography, as well as snippets of interviews, reflections on her legacy, and commentary on her status as a European icon of postmodern culture. With a voice described as somewhere between a purr and a provocation, and a life lived in high heels and higher concept, Amanda Lear emerges from this tribute not just as a disco queen, but as a true artist of reinvention.

Join us for this audio journey through glitter, glamour, surrealism, scandal and song — a celebration of Amanda Lear: a woman who has been everything and everyone, on her own terms.

Strange Brew Podcast Episode 28042025

Blaxploitation Grooves & Blue Mountains Cool with Bill Hope

In this very special Strange Brew episode, broadcast on Monday, April 28th, 2025, Caroline steers the musical time machine into the gritty, glorious world of 1970s Blaxploitation cinema — a cultural movement that exploded across screens, record players, fashion runways, and the streets of America. Join her for a deep dive into the iconic soundtracks of the era, featuring the revolutionary soul and funk sounds of Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, Roy Ayers, James Brown, and more. It’s not just music — it’s attitude, style, and radical cinematic storytelling, where female leads like Pam Grier became fearless icons in films like Coffy and Foxy Brown.

But wait — there’s more. After 1pm, Caroline is joined live in the studio by Bill Hope, award-winning illustrator, graphic novelist, fashion satirist, and recent collaborator with children’s author Andy Griffiths. Bill shares tales from his journey from the Central Coast to the Blue Mountains, chats about his cartoon work, his love of absurd fashion trends (like “bratwurst-core”), and his cheeky Zine Fair debut at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

Together they laugh, riff on retro aesthetics, play with candy cigarettes, and discuss everything from Starsky and Hutch to the power of storytelling through pictures. It’s a joyful, genre-mashing celebration of sound, art, and style — part vinyl revival, part zine culture love-in, and all Strange Brew.

Turn the dial up loud and relive the funk, the flair, and the fabulousness.

Strange Brew – Caroline’s European Road Trip 1
Presented by Caroline Paidasch-Murphy

Broadcast every Monday from 12–2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Strange Brew is a show that celebrates music, history, and cultural connections through a mix of unexpected and electrifying tunes. Hosted by Caroline Paidasch Murphy, each episode takes listeners on a musical journey filled with insight, humor, and passion.

In this episode, Great Women of Song and Sass, Caroline curates a dynamic playlist dedicated to some of the most iconic and influential female vocalists in history. From smoky jazz standards to bold cabaret numbers and trailblazing rock anthems, this episode is a tribute to the power, elegance, and audacity of women in music.

The show opens with the legendary Liza Minnelli and her iconic performance from Cabaret, setting the stage for a musical thread that weaves through German influences and vintage Hollywood glamour. The godmother of German punk, Nina Hagen, follows with her eclectic energy, and then Marilyn Monroe brings the heat with Heat Wave.

Caroline then delves into the exotic, mesmerizing voice of Yma Sumac, a Peruvian-American singer known for her astounding four-and-a-half-octave range. Featuring songs from her album Mambo, Caroline shares fascinating trivia, including how Sumac’s music found its way into modern media, from Spy Games to Cirque du Soleil.

Moving into the realm of French elegance, Strange Brew highlights Françoise Hardy, whose musical and fashion influence in the 1960s remains unparalleled. Alongside her, the wisdom of the day is imparted through the show’s signature Animal Spirit Card Reading, with this episode’s message brought by the fierce and fearless Panther Spirit, urging listeners to embrace their inner power and boldness.

The setlist continues with the ethereal and groundbreaking Kate Bush, featuring her masterpiece Running Up That Hill, famously revived by Stranger Things. Caroline provides a deep dive into Bush’s Hounds of Love album, its conceptual storytelling, and its lasting legacy in music history.

Jazz and big band lovers are treated to the smooth, timeless vocals of Anita O’Day, a former Stan Kenton Big Band singer, followed by the one and only Peggy Lee. Caroline shares an insightful anecdote about Lee’s clever technique of drawing in an audience by singing softly, a lesson in subtlety and charisma that still resonates today.

The show’s cabaret influences shine again with the unforgettable Marlene Dietrich and Liza Minnelli’s Mein Herr, leading into a comedic yet sultry moment with Madeline Kahn’s I’m Tired, a beloved number from Blazing Saddles. Lana Del Rey’s Summertime Sadness marks a contemporary addition, showcasing how today’s artists channel the spirit of their predecessors.

As the show draws to a close, Caroline pays tribute to Barbra Streisand’s unwavering confidence with Don’t Rain on My Parade—a musical anthem of self-empowerment. In a final nod to the history of women in music, Strange Brew closes with Josephine Baker’s playful Don’t Touch My Tomatoes, before a powerful finale with Whitney Houston’s Love Will Save the Day.

Full of history, personality, and a bold soundtrack, this episode of Strange Brew is a celebration of female artistry, resilience, and style. Whether through sultry jazz, avant-garde punk, or powerhouse ballads, these women of song and sass continue to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.

Tune in every Monday from 12–2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, or stream live at www.rbm.org.au.

Strange Brew – Caroline’s European Road Trip 1
Presented by Caroline Paidasch-Murphy

Broadcast every Monday from 12–2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Strange Brew is a show that celebrates music, history, and cultural connections through a mix of unexpected and electrifying tunes. Hosted by Caroline Paidasch Murphy, each episode takes listeners on a musical journey filled with insight, humor, and passion.

In this episode, Great Women of Song and Sass, Caroline curates a dynamic playlist dedicated to some of the most iconic and influential female vocalists in history. From smoky jazz standards to bold cabaret numbers and trailblazing rock anthems, this episode is a tribute to the power, elegance, and audacity of women in music.

The show opens with the legendary Liza Minnelli and her iconic performance from Cabaret, setting the stage for a musical thread that weaves through German influences and vintage Hollywood glamour. The godmother of German punk, Nina Hagen, follows with her eclectic energy, and then Marilyn Monroe brings the heat with Heat Wave.

Caroline then delves into the exotic, mesmerizing voice of Yma Sumac, a Peruvian-American singer known for her astounding four-and-a-half-octave range. Featuring songs from her album Mambo, Caroline shares fascinating trivia, including how Sumac’s music found its way into modern media, from Spy Games to Cirque du Soleil.

Moving into the realm of French elegance, Strange Brew highlights Françoise Hardy, whose musical and fashion influence in the 1960s remains unparalleled. Alongside her, the wisdom of the day is imparted through the show’s signature Animal Spirit Card Reading, with this episode’s message brought by the fierce and fearless Panther Spirit, urging listeners to embrace their inner power and boldness.

The setlist continues with the ethereal and groundbreaking Kate Bush, featuring her masterpiece Running Up That Hill, famously revived by Stranger Things. Caroline provides a deep dive into Bush’s Hounds of Love album, its conceptual storytelling, and its lasting legacy in music history.

Jazz and big band lovers are treated to the smooth, timeless vocals of Anita O’Day, a former Stan Kenton Big Band singer, followed by the one and only Peggy Lee. Caroline shares an insightful anecdote about Lee’s clever technique of drawing in an audience by singing softly, a lesson in subtlety and charisma that still resonates today.

The show’s cabaret influences shine again with the unforgettable Marlene Dietrich and Liza Minnelli’s Mein Herr, leading into a comedic yet sultry moment with Madeline Kahn’s I’m Tired, a beloved number from Blazing Saddles. Lana Del Rey’s Summertime Sadness marks a contemporary addition, showcasing how today’s artists channel the spirit of their predecessors.

As the show draws to a close, Caroline pays tribute to Barbra Streisand’s unwavering confidence with Don’t Rain on My Parade—a musical anthem of self-empowerment. In a final nod to the history of women in music, Strange Brew closes with Josephine Baker’s playful Don’t Touch My Tomatoes, before a powerful finale with Whitney Houston’s Love Will Save the Day.

Full of history, personality, and a bold soundtrack, this episode of Strange Brew is a celebration of female artistry, resilience, and style. Whether through sultry jazz, avant-garde punk, or powerhouse ballads, these women of song and sass continue to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.

Tune in every Monday from 12–2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, or stream live at www.rbm.org.au.

Strange Brew – Great Women of Song and Sass
Presented by Caroline Paidasch-Murphy

Broadcast every Monday from 12–2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Strange Brew is a show that celebrates music, history, and cultural connections through a mix of unexpected and electrifying tunes. Hosted by Caroline Paidasch Murphy, each episode takes listeners on a musical journey filled with insight, humor, and passion.

In this episode, Great Women of Song and Sass, Caroline curates a dynamic playlist dedicated to some of the most iconic and influential female vocalists in history. From smoky jazz standards to bold cabaret numbers and trailblazing rock anthems, this episode is a tribute to the power, elegance, and audacity of women in music.

The show opens with the legendary Liza Minnelli and her iconic performance from Cabaret, setting the stage for a musical thread that weaves through German influences and vintage Hollywood glamour. The godmother of German punk, Nina Hagen, follows with her eclectic energy, and then Marilyn Monroe brings the heat with Heat Wave.

Caroline then delves into the exotic, mesmerizing voice of Yma Sumac, a Peruvian-American singer known for her astounding four-and-a-half-octave range. Featuring songs from her album Mambo, Caroline shares fascinating trivia, including how Sumac’s music found its way into modern media, from Spy Games to Cirque du Soleil.

Moving into the realm of French elegance, Strange Brew highlights Françoise Hardy, whose musical and fashion influence in the 1960s remains unparalleled. Alongside her, the wisdom of the day is imparted through the show’s signature Animal Spirit Card Reading, with this episode’s message brought by the fierce and fearless Panther Spirit, urging listeners to embrace their inner power and boldness.

The setlist continues with the ethereal and groundbreaking Kate Bush, featuring her masterpiece Running Up That Hill, famously revived by Stranger Things. Caroline provides a deep dive into Bush’s Hounds of Love album, its conceptual storytelling, and its lasting legacy in music history.

Jazz and big band lovers are treated to the smooth, timeless vocals of Anita O’Day, a former Stan Kenton Big Band singer, followed by the one and only Peggy Lee. Caroline shares an insightful anecdote about Lee’s clever technique of drawing in an audience by singing softly, a lesson in subtlety and charisma that still resonates today.

The show’s cabaret influences shine again with the unforgettable Marlene Dietrich and Liza Minnelli’s Mein Herr, leading into a comedic yet sultry moment with Madeline Kahn’s I’m Tired, a beloved number from Blazing Saddles. Lana Del Rey’s Summertime Sadness marks a contemporary addition, showcasing how today’s artists channel the spirit of their predecessors.

As the show draws to a close, Caroline pays tribute to Barbra Streisand’s unwavering confidence with Don’t Rain on My Parade—a musical anthem of self-empowerment. In a final nod to the history of women in music, Strange Brew closes with Josephine Baker’s playful Don’t Touch My Tomatoes, before a powerful finale with Whitney Houston’s Love Will Save the Day.

Full of history, personality, and a bold soundtrack, this episode of Strange Brew is a celebration of female artistry, resilience, and style. Whether through sultry jazz, avant-garde punk, or powerhouse ballads, these women of song and sass continue to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.

Tune in every Monday from 12–2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, or stream live at www.rbm.org.au.

Strange Brew – A Musical Journey Through Time
Presented by Caroline Paidasch-Murphy

Broadcast every Monday from 12 PM to 2 PM on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM, Strange Brew is a deep dive into the stories, sounds, and influences that have shaped music across the decades. Hosted by the dynamic Caroline ‘CP’ Paidasch Murphy, the show is an eclectic exploration of genres, eras, and cultural movements that have left a lasting imprint on the musical landscape.

Each week, Strange Brew takes listeners on an immersive journey, blending classic hits, hidden gems, and fascinating backstories that illuminate the connections between artists, places, and pivotal moments in music history. Whether it’s a spotlight on iconic movements like the Laurel Canyon scene of the 1960s, the psychedelic underground, or the unsung heroes of Australian rock, CP brings her signature passion, curiosity, and storytelling to the airwaves.

In a recent episode, CP delved into the legendary Laurel Canyon sound—a movement that saw folk, rock, and counterculture merge in a creative explosion that defined an era. With imagery of Jim Morrison cycling through eucalyptus trees, Joni Mitchell’s guitar echoing through the hills, and impromptu jam sessions at Mama Cass’s house, the episode transported listeners to a time when artists like The Byrds, The Turtles, Buffalo Springfield, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young crafted a new sonic identity in the heart of Los Angeles.

But Strange Brew is not just about nostalgia—it’s about discovery. CP’s musical curiosity leads her to uncover new dimensions of even the most familiar genres. Whether it’s tracing the roots of Australian rock through the Masters Apprentices, Billy Thorpe, and Russell Morris or unearthing the connections between folk troubadours in Greenwich Village and their West Coast counterparts, every episode is a fresh perspective on music’s ever-evolving journey.

With a mix of well-known tracks, rare recordings, and deep dives into the cultural shifts that shaped each era, Strange Brew is the perfect listening experience for music lovers who crave insight, storytelling, and a touch of the unexpected. Tune in live or stream at www.rbm.org.au to join CP Murphy as she takes you down the rabbit hole of musical history, one track at a time.

Strange Brew – Exploring the Origins of Electronic Punk and Sci-Fi Music
🎙 Presented by Caroline Paidasch-Murphy

In this episode of Strange Brew, Caroline takes you on an extraordinary journey through the history of electronic punk and sci-fi music. Airing on Monday, January 13th, 2025, the show dives deep into the life and work of the trailblazing producer Joe Meek, a name you may not know but should. Discover how Meek’s innovative techniques and visionary approach shaped the sound of music history, including his production of John Leyton’s haunting hit “Johnny Remember Me.”

But the journey doesn’t stop there! Caroline seamlessly transitions into a mix of contemporary punk, a splash of Baba Rella, and some uplifting sunshine pop from another brilliant composer, connecting it all in her signature style.

Tune in for two hours of musical exploration, fascinating stories, and surprising connections that will have you hooked from the first note to the last.

🎶 Strange Brew: Where the past and future of music collide.

📅 New episodes every Monday, 12–2 PM on RBM 89.1FM.