Western Weekender

Born and bred in western Sydney, Heath Davis went from Western Weekender journalist to top Australian filmmaker. He's the man behind hits such as Broke, Book Week and the recent festive smash, Christmess. Heath chats to us about what inspires his movies, the issues facing the Australian film industry and reveals what's next.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

When Panthers became the 'World of Entertainment' in the 1990s, Max Cowan was the marketing genius working his magic behind the scenes. His father Roger - Panthers CEO for 40 years - left an incredible legacy, and ensured the Cowan name was synonymous with both Panthers and Penrith. In this first episode of On The Record's fourth season, Max opens up about his life and career, and speaks of Roger's time at Panthers - from the highs of his vision coming to life, to the lows that had a devastating impact on his life. This is a must-hear Penrith tale. Search 'Western Weekender' wherever you listen to podcasts, or stream/download below.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

As the founder and CEO of Jim’s Group, Jim Penman created one of the biggest franchising businesses in the world. A passionate, dedicated and unique business person, Jim joins us to share insights into what drives success and happiness. With many Jim’s franchises in Penrith, the business has come a long way from the early days of Penman himself mowing lawns.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

2003 Panthers Grand Final hero Luke Priddis opens up about his rugby league career, including his fractured relationship with NRL super coach Wayne Bennett. He also reveals how he almost left Penrith at the end of the 2004 season, and speaks about his life after football - including with the Luke Priddis Foundation. It's a fascinating chat with some never-before-heard stories about his celebrated footy career.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

David Bradbury was Penrith's youngest ever Mayor, then became the Federal Lindsay MP and rose through the ranks of Australian politics. Now back in Australia working with KPMG, David talks about his time in politics, his decade working in Paris and why he loves being back in Penrith. And he answers an inevitable question: would he ever make a political comeback?Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

From humble beginnings, Karen McKeown has shown strength and preservice throughout her life - and now sits as the State Member for Penrith. Karen speaks about growing up not knowing her mother and being raised by her beloved grandmother, about her schooling and university and how she first got into politics. She gives us an insight into both Council and State Politics, and gives us insight into her future plans.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

For 30 years, Cathy Craig has helped the most needy in Penrith through her work at Penrith Community Kitchen. She’s dedicated her life to helping others, and along the way has raised a family and run a family business. Cathy speaks to us about her long tenure with the Community Kitchen, and why she doesn’t see herself stepping back any time soon.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Eric Cuckson left an incredible business legacy in Penrith and St Marys. His business, W.E. Cuckson & Sons, was more than just a place to work. Eric's daughter Barbara - a successful business owner herself - joins us to talk about growing up in St Marys in the 1950s, and her family's impact on the region. It's a fascinating trip back in time to a time long forgotten, but remembered so fondly by many.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Steve Carter was part of Penrith's legendary 1991 Premiership-winning team. For more than two decades, he was the most capped Penrith NRL player of all-time - a record eclipsed only recently. Steve talks about his career, life after footy and so much more in this special one-on-one chat.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Season five of On The Record kicks off as we go one-on-one with Fred Hastings. Fred is the voice of harness racing in New South Wales, including at Penrith which has become like a second home to the western Sydney born and bred race caller. We talk to Fred about his life and career, and get some insight into what it takes to be a race caller.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor wrap up the 2024 NRL season, as they reflect on Penrith's incredible Premiership win. Plus The Masked Panther calls in with a scoop!Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

In this edition of Tension's Running High, Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the 2024 NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne. We chat with Liam Henry and Paul Alamoti as they prepare for their first Grand Finals. And we debate all the issues surrounding Grand Final Week.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

We chat with Isaah Yeo ahead of his record-breaking appearance for Penrith on Saturday night, plus Nathan Cleary pays tribute to the club's inspirational leader. Troy and Nathan also preview the Preliminary Final this weekend between Penrith and Cronulla, and reflect on the 2003 Grand Final in Remember When...Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor reflect on Penrith's win over the Roosters last weekend, and preview this weekend's semi finals. Plus they remember the bizarre sacking of Ivan Cleary back in 2015, and discuss Isaah Yeo's looming milestone.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Mitch Kenny joins us on the eve of the Finals, plus we preview Penrith's clash with the Roosters. And in Remember When, we look back in the 1985 Finals.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview Penrith's clash with Gold Coast, plus share memories of Penrith Park ahead of the farewell celebrations this weekend. Plus Sunia Turuva joins us for a chat and we remember Penrith's biggest ever win and biggest ever loss.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

We preview the Panthers v Rabbitohs Friday night showdown in Penrith, plus Luke Garner joins us. And after back-to-back losses at a crucial time of the year, are the Panthers GONE? Plus in Remember When, we reflect on the 2014 NRL Finals series and THAT win over the Roosters.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Part one of our Farewell Penrith Park coverage, as we look at the venue's history. We catch up with Izack Tago, preview Penrith's clash against Canberra and discuss the 14th rugby league Immortal. Plus in Remember When, we remember the Penrith career of Darryl Brohman.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

We unpack Penrith's loss to Melbourne, including Nathan Cleary's shoulder injury. Can the Panthers win the title if the worst happens and he's ruled out for the year? We also talk about a major Hall of Fame snub, and name our favourite commentators. And in Remember When, we reflect on the 1991 Grand Final.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Sunia Turuva and Matt Eisenhuth join the podcast. Plus we remember the 1997 Super League season, and preview the Battle of the West between Penrith and Parramatta. And we reflect on Barney Allam, the long-time Panthers sponsor who passed away this week.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor unpack the Brian To'o story from during the week, plus Scott Sorensen joins us. We preview Sunday's clash between the Panthers and Knights, and reflect on Ron Willey's impact on Penrith in Remember When.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Jarome Luai joins Tension's Running High to chat about his return to clubland, and Nathan Taylor runs us through what sports Penrith players would tackle at the Olympics. Plus we reflect on our favourite memories of Panthers Leagues Club, and preview Sunday afternoon's clash against St George-Illawarra.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy and Nathan discuss Sunday's clash between Penrith and the Dolphins, and review Origin III. Plus Mitch Kenny joins us for a chat, and we debate a big question: Who is the greatest ever Panther? We also reflect on the Go The Mighty Panthers ahead of the iconic song's 35th anniversary.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor chat about last week's win over Brisbane, and preview State of Origin III. Plus we get into a big discussion about Panthers honouring their history, and we fire up the NRL ladder predictor!Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Moses Leota joins the podcast, as we preview the Friday night Grand Final rematch between Penrith and Brisbane. Plus we reflect on The Footy Show, chat about Daine Laurie re-signing and plenty more... including why Troy thinks State of Origin is not a disadvantage to teams.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Hear from Penrith winger Sunia Turuva and coach Ivan Cleary, plus Troy and Nathan preview Sunday's clash between Penrith and North Queensland. And we reflect on footy cards from the past, and celebrate Penrith's 1000 days as Premiers. Plus our Origin II thoughts.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take a look at the week that was in Pantherland. On the anniversary of his death, we remember Ben Alexander. Plus the return of the chocolate soldiers, and do you remember the match day sausage sizzle at Penrith Park?Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

In our new Penrith Panthers podcast, Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor discuss the Taylan May saga, plus some signing news and we preview the Panthers versus the Knights.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor have the last word on Sunday footy as the Panthers prepare to take on the Sea Eagles. Can Penrith bounce back from a last-start loss, or will the Sea Eagles do the double on Ivan Cleary's side in 2024?Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Hear from Ivan Cleary as Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor present your last minute preview of tonight's clash between the Panthers and Dragons. Plus Nathan provides some insight into his visit to NSW Origin training earlier this week.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the top four blockbuster between Penrith and Cronulla at PointsBet Stadium. Can the Panthers bounce back from last week's win over the Warriors and grab a vital two competition points?Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the Magic Round clash between Penrith and the Warriors. Plus, they chat about the time ahead without Nathan Cleary and the David Fifita debacle.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

It's game day! Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor have the final say on tonight's clash between Penrith and Canterbury. Will it be all one-way traffic at the foot of the Mountains, or will the Bulldogs put up a fight?Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the Round 9 NRL clash between Penrith and South Sydney at Accor Stadium.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

50 years ago, George Rabie started an electrical retail business in Penrith. He would go on to become one of Penrith's leading business operators, with Little & Rabie becoming iconic in the local area. George joins us to talk about his career in retail and business - its challenges, its joys and why, in 2017, he opted to call it a day after four decades in business.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor offer your last minute preview ahead of the Round 8 NRL clash between Penrith and North Queensland.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Mat Thompson is the voice of rugby league at Channel 9. Growing up in Penrith, Mat's passion for sport him saw him pursue a career in broadcasting. He would eventually take over as Chief Sports Broadcaster at Wide World Of Sports, replacing the legendary Ray Warren. Mat provides some intriguing insights into NRL broadcasting, and lifts the lid on the perceived rivalry between Nine and Fox Sports.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor provide your last minute Panthers v Tigers preview ahead of the Round 7 NRL clash in Bathurst.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Scott McRae remains the longest serving ground announcer in Panthers history, becoming the voice of Penrith Stadium between 1998 and 2019. In this podcast, Scott speaks about how he got the job in the first place - and opens up about his controversial exit. Raw, honest and at times explosive, Scott doesn't hold back in a must-listen interview.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the Round 5 NRL clash between Penrith and Manly at 4 Pines Park.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Warren Smith has been President of St Marys Rugby League Club for 35 years. As he prepares for his retirement, Warren speaks to us about his extraordinary stint at St Marys, and what has made the club so successful over the years.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview Penrith's clash against the Roosters in Round 4 of the NRL.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the Round 3 NRL clash between Penrith and Brisbane. Hear from Ivan Cleary and Billy Walters as we deliver the final preview of the Grand Final re-match.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Former Defence Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne joins us 'On The Record' to discuss her extraordinary career in politics. A Federal Senator from 1997 until her retirement in 2023, she has held several high profile positions in Government and become a trailblazer for women in politics. Marise speaks about her passion for the Liberal Party, how a car accident changed her direction in life and about a quieter time now that she and partner Stuart Ayres are both out of politics.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor provide your last minute Panthers v Eels Preview ahead of the Round 2 NRL clash at BlueBet Stadium.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor provide a last minute preview of the Round 1 NRL clash between Penrith and Melbourne.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Currently the President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Richard Fox's career has had many chapters. He rose to prominence as one of Great Britain's best paddlers in the 1980s, and competed at the Olympics in 1992. His move to Penrith became pivotal - and he played a critical role in the Sydney 2000 Olympics, before raising his family here. As the father of prolific paddlers Jess and Noemi Fox, Richard has a wonderful story to tell about family, sport and community.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Gina Field is a trailblazer in the security industry - defying gender stereotypes to succeed in an industry so often dominated by men. Gina speaks to us about why she entered the industry in the first place, how a redundancy resulted in the launch of her business Nepean Regional Security, and why it's tougher owning a business now than ever before. A great business success story, Gina speaks about her passion for Penrith and what the future holds for.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Former Panthers Group CEO Glenn Matthews opens up about his life and career. Glenn speaks about his rise through the ranks of Panthers, including surviving making a $1 million mistake early in his career. He opens up about the controversy surrounding 2003 Premiership winning coach John Lang's departure from Penrith, including the infamous 'broken promise'. Glenn also speaks about being charged by police and held personally responsible because an intoxicated person was found at Panthers. Plus, how a realisation in the middle of the night resulted in his resignation in 2010.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Kyra Quinlivan has positioned herself as a domestic violence victims' advocate in Penrith, a city plagued by the issue. She speaks to us about the current domestic violence situation, and what changes are needed to help victims. Plus why she doesn't want to be remembered as the 'DV advocate' in years to come.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.