Unscripted The Nudgee College Podcast

A remarkable highlight of Semester 1 was the launch of Unscripted – The Nudgee College Podcast – a first in the College’s history. This exciting new platform was created to capture, celebrate, and share the rich stories of the Nudgee community, providing a deeper connection to its past, present, and future.

The inaugural season, The Alma Mater Series, focused on the extraordinary journeys of past students, parents, and staff. From high-profile media personalities to elite athletes and influential figures, each guest offered a unique perspective, reflecting on career milestones, personal growth, and the enduring influence of their Nudgee experience.

The response was extraordinary. In its very first week, Unscripted ranked in the top 8% of podcasts globally and debuted at #46 in the Education Podcast category – an outstanding achievement and a testament to the strength of our community and the power of its stories.

The Alma Mater Series was brought to life by host Wes Dening – Old Boy and College Captain of 2000. A skilled interviewer and award-winning

TV producer, Wes’s media journey began on Big Brother and Totally Wild, and now spans over two decades. Currently, Head of Global Formats for Eureka Productions, Wes has helped develop and produce acclaimed shows such as Australian Idol, Holey Moley, and The Floor

We extend our deepest thanks to the inspiring guests who shared their stories:

• David “Luttsy” Lutteral (NCOB 1993), radio legend

• Pete Murray (NCOB 1987), charttopping singer-songwriter

• Margie Wills, beloved past staff member and mental health advocate

• Karin Van Wirdum, swimming gold medallist and current staff member

• Alysia Bridger, past mother and events extraordinaire

• James O’Connor (NCOB 2007), Wallaby and rugby star

Each episode offered compelling insight into the lives of those shaped by Nudgee – and who, in turn, have helped shape our legacy. These candid conversations explored triumphs, challenges, and defining moments that resonated far beyond the College gates.

Behind the scenes, the success of Unscripted was made possible by the creativity and commitment of the Nudgee College Development and Communications team, our recording partner The Podcast Boss, and of course, our host Wes Dening. Their collaboration ensured each episode was professionally produced and deeply engaging.

With such a strong debut, the future of Unscripted – The Nudgee College Podcast is full of possibility. As new series and themes are developed, this platform will continue to offer a space for powerful storytelling and connection, reinforcing the deep bonds of the Nudgee College community.

If you haven’t tuned in yet, now is the perfect time. Unscripted is more than a podcast – it’s a celebration of the stories that make Nudgee truly special.

We hope you enjoy it.

Ms Erina Hitchings, Alumni and Community Manager