Julia Ferracane, founder of Righteous PR, joins Penny Lane in this episode of In the Driver’s Seat to share her 25-year journey supporting creatives at the Australian Ballet, Penguin Random House, and beyond. She explains how courage and persistence, rather than talent alone, have shaped her career in public relations.

Ferracane discusses the importance of mentorship, overcoming early setbacks, and choosing clients based on the “courage factor” and compelling stories. From securing alpacas for a last-minute media shoot to navigating visibility and self-promotion, she reveals the adaptive problem-solving skills needed to thrive in PR.

She also highlights the value of podcasts for deeper audience engagement and shares insights into her current projects, including collaborations with Scott Pape and Sean Zeps.

Sooshi Mango, featuring Joe, Carlo, and Andrew, appeared on “In the Driver’s Seat,” hosted by Penny Lane. The group is recognised for blending nostalgia and cultural charm with sharp wit. They draw inspiration from their families, finding comedy in their childhood experiences. The group aims for nostalgic humour rather than mocking their backgrounds, with characters based loosely on family members. However, their families do not recognise their comedic potential.

Their viral success stemmed from a video titled “Italians Versus Greeks,” highlighting the friendly rivalry between the communities, released on November 24th. Joe left his job five years ago to focus on Sooshi Mango full-time, a decision made by all members who traded their stable careers for comedy.

Differing personalities

Fan favourites include their dad and mum characters, with the latter being particularly popular. Group dynamics reveal differing personalities; Andrew is seen as temperamental, while another member is easygoing.

The pressure to maintain high content standards is significant, especially for live shows. Sooshi Mango has achieved the unique feat of selling out an arena three times.

Looking ahead, a world tour is set for April to June, starting in New York, alongside plans for an Australian feature film to begin shooting next year.

Stan Yarramunua is an Aboriginal artist who transformed his life through art, gaining international recognition. Host Penny Lane describes him as a pioneer for Indigenous artists and a storyteller of country and spirit. Yarramunua began painting in a rehabilitation centre, initially using art as a coping mechanism. He sold his first painting for $120 and progressed to sell high-end Aboriginal art in Melbourne. He has since exhibited in New York and operates galleries on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. His recovery journey led him to put down alcohol permanently on 3 August 1993, enabling his growth in various artistic pursuits.

Recently, Yarramunua returned from Germany, where he participated in the repatriation of his great-great-grandfather’s remains, taken over a century ago. He performed cultural ceremonies and advocated for the return of Aboriginal remains held in institutions across Europe.

Yarramunua has created commissioned artwork for celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Bono. He emphasises the importance of humility and self-awareness, stating the best advice he received is to manage ego and resentment. He has published a book titled *A Man Called Yara*, and people can find his art online by searching “Art Yarramunua.”