Show Notes
The first GLOW STORIES episode features Missy Higgins in conversation with Gordi for a raw and expansive discussion about sexuality, identity, and the responsibility of writing songs drawn from real life. Reflecting on the early days of her craft, Gordi describes an almost unstoppable creative impulse: “When I first started songwriting, it was like a tap that wouldn’t turn off,” she says, explaining that, “When I was younger, I felt songwriting was a way to communicate feelings that I couldn’t say.”
As she navigated the pressures of sexuality and public perception, music became both an outlet and therapy, a parallel path to her work as a resident doctor, which she ultimately put on hold to fully pursue her art.
Missy, meanwhile, reflects on her own evolution and the challenges of radical self-examination through songwriting. “I went through a big phase in my twenties when songwriting was so selfish in a way, I was in a real self-hatred mode… Not making a difference in the world… look at all these people on the front line… why don’t I do something truly worthy?” she recalls. “Cut to now, and I realise the power of music and how important it is to people’s lives.” In a lighter moment, she even floats the idea of writing a “really sad Christmas song about becoming a newly single mum,” capturing the episode’s blend of humour, vulnerability, and creative truth.
GLOW RADIO was born out of a clear gap in Australia and New Zealand’s media landscape. While homegrown talent continues to thrive, too many artists, particularly women over 35, gender-diverse voices, and First Nations musicians struggle to find consistent airplay or meaningful exposure. GLOW was created to change that. It’s a platform built to celebrate artistry without bias, champion career longevity, and reconnect audiences with the incredible depth of Australian and New Zealand music that often goes unheard on mainstream radio.
Supported by @soundnsw
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from GLOW Stories
Two of Australia’s most celebrated and enduring female artists, Tina Arena and Kate Miller-Heidke, come together for a powerful, candid and deeply revealing conversation on Episode 6 of GLOW Stories, confronting the darker realities of the Australian music industry, the #MeToo movement, sexism, ageism, power, accountability and the treatment of women throughout their careers.
Two of Aotearoa's most celebrated artists, Bic Runga and Ladyhawke, come together for one of the most honest and heartfelt conversations yet on Episode 5 of GLOW Stories. In a candid and deeply personal discussion, the acclaimed musicians reflect on decades in the industry, the confidence that comes with experience, and why they're creating some of the strongest music of their careers.
Kaylee Bell reflects on growing up in rural New Zealand and discovering music could become a career. “I never actually remember a time that I didn’t sing,” she shares, recalling that winning the Gold Guitar in Tamworth was the moment she realised, “This could actually be something I do with my life.” Bell also speaks candidly about independence in today’s industry, saying, “I’m so proud to be independent,” while acknowledging that “behind the glamorous side is so much grind and so many hats to wear.”
A vibrant and deeply personal cross-generational conversation between Australian music icon Marcia Hines and rising New Zealand artist PANIA. The series is produced by Poppy Reid, co-founder and chief content officer of Curious Media.
In a deeply personal and wide-ranging discussion, the two artists explore the realities of navigating long careers in music and entertainment while confronting ageism, personal transformation, grief, family life and creative independence.