Two Words with Taku Taku Mbudzi

My special guest for this episode is Selene Dudley-Bateman, the Chief Executive Officer of Auspicious Arts Projects (AAP), a not-for-profit creative community management organisation. They provide independent artists with a secure and accessible framework to assist them with creative developments and producing work.

AAP were fantastic last year when I wanted to apply for some funding through my local council. I was so impressed by them and thought other artists I know might wanna know more about them, so I invited Selene to chat with me.

I hope you find her insights useful too!

About Selene Bateman

Selene Bateman is a highly regarded arts administrator, producer and project manager who has worked in the creative sector for nearly 20 years. She has produced animated tv series, queer cabarets and comedy shows for children. 

As the CEO and Senior Client Manager at Auspicious, she has worked with hundreds of artists across art forms and career stages, helping them navigate the funding landscape, get budgets into shape, and manage their projects.  She is also an experienced grant writer, workshop facilitator, and financial manager.

Connect with Selene on LinkedIn.

About Auspicious Arts Projects

Auspicious Arts Project Inc. was established in 1993 to assist artists undertaking projects within the arts. The intention was to provide artists with all the protection and advantages of working with a larger organisation while still remaining independent and in control of their work. 

Auspicious Arts Projects offers financial and administrative management for individuals and small art organisations. This includes assistance with the day-to-day financial aspects of the project. 

In addition Auspicious offers advice and guidance to artists to the most likely sources of funding, as well assistance preparing budgets for funding applications. Auspicious Arts Projects work with artists from across the spectrum of the arts, and has watched many of its artists grow into fully fledged companies of their own right.

This Two Words with Taku podcast episode was recorded virtually in December 2023 in Melbourne.

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Today's Two Words: YOUNG FIRE

In this episode, hear our first ever guest host Adongwot Manyoul in a conversation with Devon Lewis. He’s a pioneering IT professional and the Chapter Lead for Blacks in Technology Australia, a non-for-profit championing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, providing invaluable resources, and a safe space for black professionals to connect.

Recorded in late November as an ode to World Youth Day, these two special people share their insights on leadership on their terms. They discuss everything from managing workplace friendships to curating your own social media algorithms to navigating fear when starting new challenges to how running 43km marathons can help instil you with professional discipline…and much more.

Our audience included writers, performers, filmmakers, a lawyer and a few Shout Out public speakers from the Centre for Multicultural Youth.


About Adongwot Manyoul

Adongwot Manyuol is an experienced communications professional, youth advocate, and thought leader. As a bi-cultural consultant, public speaker, radio host, and MC, her passions lie in supporting the community to achieve social cohesion through the elimination of racism and discrimination and promoting intergenerational dialogue.As a South Sudanese-Australian woman, Adongwot speaks from a combination of experience navigating traditional and Western culture in Australia and her academic standing in Communications and Journalism. In 2019, Adongwot was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel the world investigating ways in which other Western Societies have successfully achieved social cohesion- the African Diaspora as the focal point to further bolster her contribution to the Australian fabric.Adongwot now shares her stories and experiences to inspire and empower. She spends her time mentoring the youth, hosts a radio show that provokes conversation on a range of social justice issues, provides consultancy services to government and community organisations dedicated to change, and sits on a number of advisory and steering committees.In 2022, Adongwot started a disruptive social enterprise, which aims to radically change the approach to racism/ diversity and inclusion training. Providing a series of workshops, seminars, and keynotes aimed at diverse age groups and divergent backgrounds, she explores the concepts of race and prejudice by walking in each other’s shoes through interactive activities and conversations that challenge young people to critically assess their identity.

About Devon Lewis

Devon Lewis, a resilient individual, has carved an extraordinary path from Guyana to Australia at the age of 17, making Melbourne his cherished home for nearly two decades. With a background in Telco as a Data/Geospatial analyst, he has transitioned his career towards two key pillars.Firstly, Devon is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, currently serving as the Chapter Lead for Blacks In Technology Australia, a non-profit. His leadership extends far beyond authority, emphasising empowerment and support.Secondly, as an Implementation Lead at Coles Group, he skilfully manages IT projects, striving for optimal results and continuous improvement. His commitment to professional growth is evident through his pursuit of a Diploma in Project Management.Beyond his professional endeavours, Devon's adventurous spirit is showcased in his love for challenging activities like hiking, camping, bush survival training, and marathon running. He firmly believes in the transformative power of venturing into the unknown, both in his personal and professional life.Devon Lewis is a true testament to the rewards of embracing uncharted territories and unwavering growth.


This Two Words with Taku live podcast event was recorded in November 2023 in Melbourne. Thanks to the crew: Kishani, Rizky, and Ali from 24 Moons for hosting us.

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Today's Two Words: FUNNY BUSINESS

In this episode, I’m joined by Janet McLeod, the Fairy Godmother of Melbourne Comedy. Janet runs Local Laughs, which at 20 years, is the longest running comedy room in Australia with a sole operator/programmer...and one of my fave spots to perform.

We discuss comedy in all its glory — what is comedy, really? What makes a great comedian? How do you filter out the a**holes to make comedy rooms safe workplaces? Janet shares all her magical insights and wisdom, much to our audience’s delight.

A special note: this episode was recorded a week before beautiful and kind Cal Wilson suddenly passed away. Cal is one of my comedy heroines and she introduced me to Janet after we met through The Moth storytelling community in Melbourne.

One of my favourite Cal memories is performing with her at Local Laughs in 2018 and she gave me the biggest hug after I got off the stage. So special!

In this episode, Janet and I speak of Cal’s kindness. I’m grateful to have met and worked with her and she’ll always be one of my faves.

ABOUT JANET MCLEOD

With over 25 years' experience producing and programming live shows, Janet's curatorial skills are frequently called upon by organisations and arts festivals across Australia and in the UK including Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Glen Eira Storytelling Festival, Soho Theatre, Melbourne Fringe, and Fringe World in Perth.

She has managed over 60 separate projects in her professional career, including long-standing weekly comedy events Planet Comedy and Local Laughs. (Image credit: Alan Moyle — Local Laugh's 20th birthday celebration, June 2023)

An active champion of women in comedy, Janet was one of the originators of Upfront Comedy - now a hallmark event at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival - and has since produced all-women comedy show like Miss (you) and Frockin' Hilarious in Melbourne.


This Two Words with Taku live podcast event was recorded in October 2023 in Melbourne. Thanks to the crew: Jan, Oscar, and Ali from 24 Moons for hosting us.

Join our community at twowordswithtaku.substack.com and follow Two Words with Taku at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoWordswithTaku/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twowordswithtaku/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twowordswithtaku


MY 2024 COMEDY SHOW

Shine My Light is my debut one-woman solo comedy show, presented in the week of International Women’s Day 2024. In my show, I’ll tackle motherhood, entrepreneurship, societal norms, and everything in between. All are welcome to my unique celebration of womanhood.

Dates: Mar 6 – Mar 10 AT La Mama Theatre, Melbourne

Buy tickets: https://lamama.com.au/whats-on/summer-2024/shine-my-light/
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Today's Two Words: MADE IT

In this episode, hear Esther Fwati and Ratidzo Mambo share about their careers as actors, producers and writers based in Australia. We discuss story ownership, collaborating with an abundance mindset and how being an actor influences their approach to writing their own stories.

About Esther Fwati

Esther Fwati is an actor, writer and producer based in Melbourne, Australia.

In 2022 her Web Series NO ORDINARY LOVE, presented by Screen Australia was released to an international audience with great reception. Esther acted as Producer, Marketing, Strategist, Writer & Actor on the Series.

In 2023 the series won BEST WEB SERIES at the LA SUN FILM FEST and Esther was awarded BEST ACTRESS in a Series/Pilot/Web for her role as series lead - Beck.

Esther is inspired by the work of strong black creators such as Issa Rae and Quinta Brunson who created pathways for themselves as actors, and created opportunities for so many others in the process.

Follow Esther: https://www.instagram.com/estherfwati/

About Ratidzo Mambo

Zimbabwean-born actor, producer, writer and former distribution consultant, Ratidzo Mambo has extensive experience as a sales agent and consultant for distributors including Vision Films, Switch International, Looking Glass International and Big Media TV where she managed film and TV content rights working with broadcasters across free-to-air, subscription TV, digital, mobile and inflight platforms.

In her career, Ratidzo has acted in dozens of productions across screen, stage and radio. Her screen credits include Yellow Card, Stan drama series The Gloaming and feature film Escape from Pretoria with Daniel Radcliffe.  

She was the winner of the 2016 Best Actor Award for the Hollywood Short + Sweet Festival, was awarded the 2018 16th Street Actors Studios Larry Moss Scholarship, was a 2017 Heath Ledger Scholarship finalist and selected to participate in Screen Australia and Equity Foundation’s first diversity workshop in 2018.

Follow Ratidzo Mambo: https://www.instagram.com/ratidzomambo/


This is the first ever live podcast event for Two Words with Taku, recorded in February 2023 in Melbourne. Thanks to comedian Jasmine Francis for audience warm-up, tech crew Toby, Dale, and Kristina, and Tim at LongPlay for hosting us.

Join our community at twowordswithtaku.substack.com and follow Two Words with Taku at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoWordswithTaku/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twowordswithtaku/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twowordswithtaku

See you soon!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi, I'm Taku and welcome to Season 5 of Two Words with Taku. Whether you're a seasoned listener or stumbled upon this podcast for the first time, I'm genuinely thrilled to have you here. 

The podcast Two Words with Taku is a safe space for writers and storytellers navigating the labyrinth of creativity, from books and films to plays and podcasts and even stand-up comedy - all works-in-progress waiting to be written and shared. 

Since 2017, Two Words with Taku has been my platform to unpack the uncharted territories of my life as a writer. 

But this podcast is your home too. In this welcome episode, I give you a quick tour of the seasons so far — so you can familiarise yourself and get comfy.

And I’m right here at twowordswithtaku.substack.com if you have any questions. 

Season 1 - Go Deep (Episodes 1-87)

A candid reflection on the journey of a new writer finding her voice in a new city.

Season 2 - Take Two (Episodes 88-100)

Interviews, insights and wisdom from screen industry professionals in Australia.

Season 3 - Keep Writing (Episodes 101-105)

Reflections on what it means to be a writer, inspired by an intimate life-affirming writing group formed during the COVID pandemic.

Season 4 - My Film (Episodes 106-110)

Get the behind-the-scenes lowdown of how I made my first kids film for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Season 5 - We're Live

New inspiring conversations, deep community connection and encouragement from live in-person and virtual podcast recordings with our community of writers and storytellers.

Join our community at twowordswithtaku.substack.com and follow Two Words with Taku at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoWordswithTaku/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twowordswithtaku/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twowordswithtaku

See you soon!


Podcast produced and recorded on the traditional country of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, Australia. We pay respect to their elders past and present.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Two Words: Blast Off!

Thanks to everyone who's watched my film Gugu naGogo and shared their lovely messages of support. I'm so pleased you're enjoying it! Here are a few fun bloopers for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26wnTc3wcJU

It was also pretty magical celebrating our film launch at Melbourne Planetarium. Gugu naGogo played on the large dome, surrounded by twinkly stars in a dark night sky. It was wonderful hearing people’s different reactions as it played and I was so emotional afterwards.

After our speeches, as a special treat, we were transported across the universe in a night sky tour. We saw stars and planets, galaxies and constellations - our collective oohs and aahs were glorious! ✨

Special thanks to astronomer Dr Tanya Hill, Kate Barnard, Sophie Oakes and Catriona Nguyen-Robertson from Scienceworks for making our first screening so special.

Our community is over the moon! ⭐️👏🏾🌔

More photos coming soon.


Watch Gugu naGogo in Australia on iview at https://iview.abc.net.au/show/gugu-nagogo.

Music by Audius Mtwararia

Vox Pop interviews at start of podcast by Amanda Mudege-Fleischer from It's Layered Podcast.
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