In Episode 6, Renee and Lauren have a chat with siblings, Matt and Carly Bettinson. Matt and Carly are each talented creative professionals in their own right. Among the many other creative pursuits that we discuss in this episode, Matt is an accomplished composer and Carly is a dressmaker and musical theatre performer.

Touching on both the highs and lows of working in the creative industries, Matt and Carly bring warmth and authenticity to the conversation. Enjoy and follow us here on Spotify!

Audio Disclaimer: Not all creative projects go to plan and we've had to use our backup recording for this episode. The conversation is absolute gold, the recording is more like bronze, but we know you're still going to love it so we decided to play on.

Matt Bettinson

Starting with no degree, no connections, and no industry experience, Matt Bettinson carved his own path into the world of film music through relentless practice, cold emailing, and a dream of creating music that could move millions in the cinema. With the guidance of a mentor/close friend, he went on to work professionally as a composer for media and trailers, collaborating with acclaimed artists, directors, and major studios worldwide. His credits include blockbuster films such as Operation Fortune, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, and Planet of the Apes, as well as television hits like Marvel’s What If?, Survivor, Hunted, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

After years in the film industry, Matt launched his own artist project under the alias Valiance, a space to tell stories on his own terms. Through it, he crafts dramatic, raw, and deeply personal music that explores mental health struggles—especially within the creative community—and works to make these conversations more grounded and less taboo.

Beyond composing, Matt continues to expand his creativity through pen-and-ink art, bass guitar, and an ever-growing fascination with the inner workings of pianos, instruments, and everyday mechanisms, always searching for new ways to express and refine his craft.

Carly Bettinson

Carly is a multidisciplinary artist skilled in sewing, singing & storytelling. She's worked professionally in musical theatre productions as Dorothy in the Australian tour of The Wizard of Oz Arena Spectacular, as Iola Stover in Parade, and as a soloist in A Night At The Musicals 'Disney In Concert' production. Alongside her endeavours as a performer, Carly has gained international popularity as a textile artist & content creator under the handle @fromcarlyb. Her stitching work celebrates colour, patchworking & overly whimsical designs. Carly is passionate about sharing her love for sewing on Youtube & Instagram with other sewists & creatives alike.

FEATURING: ANNIE PHILLIPS

Lauren and Renée sit down with Annie Phillips, Founder and Director of LUMN—a strategy consultancy helping leaders turn bold ideas into lasting impact.

Together, they dive into:

🌍 the risks and rewards of living abroad

🎨 the power of creative communities

🌐 globalising the Renaissance Movement

🚀 and what it takes to pioneer bold new ideas

Annie’s genius shines as she effortlessly weaves theory, wisdom, and meaningful application into her take on the creative process.

Come ready to glean.

Listen now—and don’t forget to follow, share, and drop your thoughts below 👇

In this episode, Renée and Lauren talk with the very talented and entertaining duo, Lauren & Claire!
Lauren Hollyock and Claire Dennis are high school drama teachers and theatre-makers, dedicated to bringing bold and imaginative productions that explore the preservation of traditional forms and the reimagining of classic texts for contemporary audiences. Their approach is anchored in a love of storytelling and a belief that theatre should not only entertain but also transform and inspire.
Described as “two halves of a whole,” Lauren and Claire join the podcast to speak to the many dimensions of collaboration, visioning, planning, casting, directing, energising, and empowering students in their introduction to the world of theatre.
They had us both giggling one minute and genuinely transfixed the next as they took us through the complex parallel processes of teaching + directing theatre in a high school environment.
Very impressive and not for the faint-hearted!