The Covid Crossing

The Covid Crossing is a variety podcast from the Macedon Ranges, north west of Melbourne. It is about art - mostly language art: books and stories and poetry; heart - thoughts and feelings from ordinary people living through extraordinary times; hope - for a better future, for a more equal and earth allied society; and happenings - small town stories and stand out moments.

1. Introducing Tide to the Moon

   Tide to the Moon is a story-filled dose of contemplation on being human.
   Join host Kate Lawrence, a practicing storyteller, meditator and vaguely pagan nature lover
   as I share my playful and reflective musings on navigating this ‘one wild and precious life’.
   
   Together may we be reminded and inspired to find deeper meaning, joy and reverence in the waters of existence.

2. Announcement of Coming Home

   This is to announce a new podcast by Kate Lawrence - ‘Coming Home’. It is a 6-part narrative and political podcast about women’s homelessness, made in conjunction with Juno.

3. Bear Hugs - Part 2

   In this second part of episode six we hear a beautiful, locally set story from writer Stephen Mitchell. Then we hear a poem from well know Australian author Henry Lawson, followed by an historical story of Annie Hutcheson who emigrated to Australia from Scotland in 1852.

4. Bear Hugs - Part 1

   This episode we have two interviews. The first is with Pat who lives in an aged care facility in Woodend where they have of course, been locked in for months. Then we hear from Bernadette who has a daughter with an intellectual disability, about how covid has unfolded in her world.

5. Don’t Give Me a Microphone

   Linc Yow Yeh, Mt Macedon resident and Murri man, is our interview guest this episode, and we have a rich and wide ranging conversation. Then we hear a story by the beloved and late Gene Roberts, told in Woodend a few years ago. In Dancing with Democracy we take a look at layers, hierarchies and bureaucracies of government and finally we get some great advice on how to introduce and improve a volunteer program.

6. Full of Meaning

   Kyneton community stalwart, Eric Dearricott, is our interview guest this episode of The Covid Crossing. In Inside Life we take a look at the whole box and dice - happiness, suffering and meaning, drawing on the profound insight of Viktor Frankl. Ann Bolch is our local writer this episode with a beautiful reverie about the beloved Mount. History Happened Here takes an unblinking look at the history of invasion and injustice that is at the core of our occupation of this area and Lisa Richards ponders the concept of citizenship.

7. Singing to the Choir

   Variety is back at the The Covid Crossing. This episode we have a great interview with Carly Visscher, some wisdom for our inner lives, a story written by award winning local writer Sue Yardley, a look at changes to our local democracy and the sounds of owls, and more.

8. Lost City

   This episode features an interview with Vivien Philpotts, long term neighbourhood house coordinator from Lancefield. We hear a ripper story from local Romsey writer Christine Caley, and our history story is about the Ash Wednesday fires and what was happening for aboriginal people in 1982 and 83.

9. Split the Difference - Part 2

   In this second part of the first episode we hear three new segments.  The first, 'Writers Writing' brings us local writers Dee White and John Marsden reading a piece of their own writing, set in the Macedon Ranges.  Then in Dancing with democracy we begin to explore  the idea of participation in democracy  and finally in the Noticing Nature sandwich we enter the wonderful world of local frogs.

10. Split the Difference - Part 1

    Back with a new line up for a new season, we kick off what an interview with Woodend resident and central vic volunteer coordinator, Lisa Richards and we hear how the crisis has effected volunteering. We look at growth and fixed mindsets and how we can cultivate the more useful one. And in a new segment we start to excavate some of the stories from the history of the Macedon Ranges.

11. Silver Linings - An Update

    Just a brief check in to let you know where things are at with the The Covid Crossing.

12. Quality Programming

    In this episode we journey back through the last eleven episodes of The Covid Crossing, to get a sense of just how far we’ve come in just a few short months. And by popular demand, we have lots of pearls from the mouth of the teenage lad, Ainslie.

13. Epacris Impressa

    Christine shares the challenges and unexpected twists of long distant love in a time of Covid, we explore the concept of awe and the pinks of Epacris Impressa and better late than never, in Lets Flatten More Curves we explore IDAHOBIT DAY. In Seven Little Australians Meg digs a deep hole for herself.

14. Loaves of Leaven

    Lise from Macedon shares her passion for baking sour dough bread as the newly minted baker at Trentham’s historic Redbeard Bakery, and gives us some high drama along the way. We mark Reconciliation Week by learning who are the traditional owners in the Macedon Ranges. And we explore a new way of challenging stressful thoughts - The Work of Byron Katie. And of course the latest instalment of Seven Little Australians.

15. Who Counts?

    Gen, from the Macedon Ranges, tells us about her journey to leave a controlling and violent relationship. With great courage and wisdom she shares with us the steps she took and how much she appreciates Foodbank. We also hear the story of FAVI an amazing French company that for over thirsty years ran on trust, autonomy and self managed teams. And of course the latest instalment of Seven Little Australians.

16. Virus Visions

    Virologist and long time Macedon resident Aishah Aitken shares her experience working at the epicentre of the coronavirus family’s trip to Victoria. In 'Inside Life' Melvyn Cann shares a way he’s learned of dancing with trees. We explore the human need to live with autonomy, and the problems this causes work. And as usual we have State of the House and Seven Little Australians.

17. The Trough

    Gisborne resident Melvyn, has been busking at Woodend Coles and composing about Percy Grainger, we hear a poem from Judy Brown, and we learn why equality is better for everyone. Ainslie tells us about school of the net, Vicki’s house is clean and Mother’s Day carries a weighty history. And of course seven little Australian’s are in strife.

18. Pokarekare Ana

    Born across the ditch in New Zealand, now ten years in Macedon, Helen Palmer shares her experience of a recent funeral she attended. There’s a message from a Foodbank recipient and an invitation to offer what you can, and ask for what you need. The third quarter takes on a new meaning, and as always Ethel Turner’s book Seven Little Australians transports us to a far away time and place.

19. One Thing at a Time

    Berry picking becomes a metaphor, Paula from Gisborne shares her redundancy experience, there’s something to be learned from a Dutch community health care organisation and things go from bad to worse for seven little Australians.

20. Flat Pyramids

    Houses with good routines and bad bathrooms, tips for building habits, an interview with the wise and wonderful Macedon resident, Margo Field, ideas for more curves we can flatten, and, of course, the next instalment of Seven Little Australians.

21. Carrot Tops

    Gardeners of Macedon come out, veggies head south and bikes carry the load. Blake and Phil are interviewed, Chapter Two of Seven Little Australians is wonderful, and the 'new usual' segments are all on offer.

22. Make a List

    Parcels are taking a toll at the Macedon Post Office, Bridget gives us an insight into rural Australia, and Ainslie's answer... make a list. We hear a story told at Melbourne Fringe, a poem from Rumi, and explore the call to Look Up.

23. The Humiliation

    John is worried, Jess is cooking bolognese, again, and Ainslie thinks it's all a waste of time.
    
    We'll hear the first chapter from the classic novel 'Seven Little Australians', as well as looking at some other curves we can flatten and some tips for getting into meditation.