One of my favourite things to do this summer is get out of the house early for a walk and listening to a podcast. It feels like a little win: get outside before it gets too hot and being inspired at the same time.
We’re also pretty lucky here in the South Shoalhaven. There’s a growing bunch of locally produced podcasts, which means you can tune into the incredible people, projects and ideas bubbling away right here in our community.
From youth‑led chats to stories of volunteers, environmental action and people quietly (and not so quietly) getting things done, these podcasts are perfect summer listening. Here are a few I’ve been enjoying lately.
Better Together South Shoalhaven
(Okay, yes — this one’s ours. Slightly biased, but for good reason!)
Better Together South Shoalhaven is a community podcast by Community Connect South Shoalhaven. It explores what it really takes to build a connected, thriving community, through relaxed conversations with local volunteers, changemakers and community groups from across the region.
Think real stories, generous humans and plenty of reminders that there are some pretty great people doing good things around here. Available on Apple Podcasts.
Shoalhaven YouthLocal is a youth‑led podcast by the Dunn Lewis Youth Development Foundation. It puts the microphone directly in the hands of young people from across the South Shoalhaven, talking about the issues, people and places that matter to them.
It’s thoughtful, honest, funny and wise – 10/10 recommend.
The Treading Lightly podcast shares stories about environmental and community projects happening locally (and sometimes further afield), with a strong focus on living well while going a little lighter on the planet.
The conversations are practical, hopeful and grounded — ideal listening when summer has you thinking about place, nature and how we care for both.
Active and Effective is a locally produced podcast hosted by Sheree Cole. The series features conversations with women from the Shoalhaven who are doing inspiring work for place, community and environment. The stories are thoughtful, energising and motivating!
This list is definitely not complete. If you know of other locally produced podcasts sharing stories from the South Shoalhaven — especially ones I’ve missed — I’d love to hear about them.
Please email me at kate@communityconnectss.com.au so we can keep uncovering and sharing local voices.
Happy summer listening!