Beyond Reality: Conversations with the People Behind Reality TV and Unscripted Entertainment

Beyond Reality is the podcast that explores the world of television production by chatting to the people behind the TV shows you love. In this episode, I’m joined by reality TV fan favourite, Luke Toki. Luke first appeared on on Australian Survivor back in 2017, and quickly made his mark as the loveable larrikin with dynamic gameplay. Luke was the first player to return for a second season, now he’s set to take on the game for a third time in the upcoming season Australia vs The World. Outside of Survivor, he’s cemented his place in the reality TV landscape, winning Big Brother VIP and showcasing his strong instincts on The Traitors. We talk about his unlikely journey from FIFO worker to reality TV icon. ⭐️ CREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley Ferguson Audio Editor: Andrew Soo🎧 LISTEN MORE: If you liked this episode, check out my chat with TV Personality - George Mladenov Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode of Beyond Reality, Hayley Ferguson is joined by TV executive and ITV’s Creative Director, Alex Mavroidakis. Alex has played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian versions of some of the most popular global reality formats, including Big Brother, Love Island, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!Alex unpacks his remarkable career in unscripted television - from navigating the fast-paced world of 24-hour turnaround TV, to the bold creative choices involved in rebooting iconic formats. Plus, the story behind the time he convinced one of Australia’s most famous celebrities to head into the Jungle.⭐️ CREDITS: Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonAudio Editor: Andrew Soo🎧 LISTEN MORE:If you liked this episode, check out my chat with Head of Unscripted TV, ITV Studios Australia - Keely Sonntag.  Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode I’m joined by the king of reality TV podcasting and founder behind Rob Has A Podcast - Rob Cesternino. Rob may have first drawn attention for his memorable appearance on Survivor Amazon as a wisecracking self-deprecating 24 year old back in 2003 but in the last 15 years, he’s emerged as one of the most influential voices in reality TV coverage. Rob shares his story of how he turned his passion for television and broadcasting into an award winning podcast network with a highly engaged community of TV fans and how he stays motivated all these years on.CONNECT:You can find Rob through the following links - Rob Has A PodcastX: @robcesterninoInstagram: @robcesternino / @rhapgramsLISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episode:TV Personality - George Mladenov, Australian Survivor, The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition Executive Producer - David Forster, Australian Survivor, Masterchef AustraliaCREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Brianna La Rance Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode I sit down with Arianna Gusi, Head of Unscripted Production at BBC Studios Australia. We unpack her impressive career journey, from her early years learning the ropes and climbing the ranks of the industry in the UK, to leading production on TV’s biggest shows back in Australia including The Voice, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars and Top Gear. Ari shares her valuable insights from the last 30 years, plus her take on the misconceptions people often have about the production side TV. LISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episode:Head of Unscripted Television, ITV Studios Australia. Keely SonntagCREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Brianna La Rance Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode, I chat to Senior Story Producer and former Nickelodeon star Mounya Wise. Mounya spent a decade lighting up UK screens as a kids TV presenter but since moving to Australia, she’s made her mark behind the scenes, producing shows like Masterchef, Dessert Masters, Australian Survivor and The Block. From interviewing Hollywood A-listers and test-driving the world’s best theme parks, to leading and nurturing teams of field producers on reality sets, Mounya’s passion for the TV industry has never waivered. LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episodes:TV Presenter - Liz CantorSeries Producer - Danielle VosCREDITSHost and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode I’m joined by Series Producer Danielle Vos. Dani spent the early years of her career in production before turning her talents to producing, where she has gone from strength to strength working in the factual and observational documentary space. Dani’s credits include Struggle Street, Air Rescue, One Born Every Minute and more recently Gogglebox Australia. I find out how Dani’s passion for connecting with contributors and delving deeper into storytelling are the keys to what drive her in the TV industry.CONNECT To get in touch with Danielle, you can find her on LinkedIn HereMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMedia Mentors LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this episode, you might like to listen to the following episode:Series Producer - Natasha Pizzica CREDITSHost and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode, I chat to Emma Ritchie, a Senior Producer and Wellness Supervisor, who has worked on shows including The Amazing Race, Alone and The Voice. Emma reveals how she's been able to combine her passion for health and wellness with her career in TV as well as the strategies she uses to maintain work-life balance in such fast-paced industry. Plus, the story of one serendipitous gumtree purchase that changed everything. LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to the following episodes:Head of Unscripted, ITV Studios Australia - Keely SonntagCasting Director - Kirsty de VallanceCREDITSHost and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance  Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with TV executive and ITV Studios Australia's Head of Unscripted, Keely Sonntag. Keely is a formidable force of the television industry, over the course of her career she’s been at the helm of countless iconic formats including Big Brother, Australian Survivor Shark Tank and Australia’s Next Top Model. Keely shares valuable insights from an impressive career in TV and discusses why fostering a positive culture is central to her leadership style. CONNECT:ITV Studios AustraliaLISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to my recent interview with Head of Global Formats, Eureka Productions - Wes Dening.  Long before Wes was making his mark developing and selling original formats around the world, he was getting his first taste of television as a contestant on Big Brother. CREDITS: Host and Producer: Hayley Ferguson Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode I chat to Supervising Producer Dominique Spanos, whose impressive list of credits includes Stars on Mars, Travel Guides and My Kitchen Rules.Dom shares her story of starting out in the industry, building her career across field and post production, as well as shining a light on her important work with not-for profit organisation Women In Media.CONNECT:To get in touch with Dominique about her MC work, head to www.dominiquespanos.com or find her on Instagram @dominiquespanosmc.To find out more and get involved with Women In Media, head to https://www.womeninmedia.com.au/LISTEN MORE:If you enjoyed this episode,  you may like to listen to my interview with Film and TV Director - Hayley MacFarlane, who has carved out a successful career in what was traditionally a male-dominated area of the industry. CREDITS:Host and Producer: Hayley FergusonCo-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with Casting Director and Co-owner of A Cast Of Thousands, Kirsty De Vallance. With close to three decades in the industry, Kirsty is one of the most experienced casting professionals in Australia and when it comes to finding TV talent for reality, factual and entertainment formats, you name it - she’s cast it.Kirsty reveals her top tips for getting cast on TV,  the high profile names she’s discovered over the years and, the extraordinary lengths she goes to in search of next big reality stars.CONNECTTo connect with Kirsty, you can follow A Cast of Thousands on Instagram @acastofthousands LISTEN MOREIf you enjoyed this episode, you may like to listen to my chat with TV Presenter - Liz Cantor. Kirsty had a hand in casting Liz Cantor on The Mole before she made her mark as a TV presenter. CREDITS: Host and Producer: Hayley Ferguson Co-Producer: Bri La Rance Support the show🔔 FIND US Never miss an episode — hit follow on your favourite podcast app. You can also connect with us here: 📸 Instagram: @beyondrealityau 📘 Facebook: @beyondrealityaus 🐦 X (Twitter): @beyondrealityau 📝 Blog: beyondrealityau.com ☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Beyond Reality is an independent podcast. If you’d like to support us, you can make a one-off contribution [HERE] (for the price of a coffee!). There’s absolutely no obligation — but every little bit helps keep the show going. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Reality community. ⭐ SPREAD THE WORD Enjoyed this episode?Share it on social media or leave a rating & review in your podcast app — it’s the best way to help others discover Beyond Reality. 🎙 START YOUR OWN PODCAST Thinking about launching your own show? Beyond Reality is hosted on Buzzsprout, our favourite platform for podcast hosting, promotion and tracking. Sign up using this link here and get a $20 credit towards your podcast.