Starting with a recent article on retailers moving away from free returns, our gals explore what’s driving the change and why customers are increasingly valuing smooth, reliable post-purchase experiences over cost-free convenience. They dive into the realities of shipping costs, the environmental impact of returns, and the growing importance of logistics, tracking and after-sales systems.

Along the way, they discuss what this shift means for makers competing with large retailers, how returns policies can become a strategic decision rather than a default, and why reducing friction after the sale matters more than ever.

We also share a round-up of upcoming markets and events across Australia, along with opportunities for makers to apply for exhibitions, grants and markets. Whether you’re looking to shop, exhibit or do a bit of research, there’s plenty happening.

Segments include:

• From Scroll to Cart
• Events Breakdown
• Making News
• This Week I…

We chat about:

• Why free returns are disappearing
• What customers actually value now
• How your returns policy impacts your bottom line
• Why a smooth post-purchase experience matters more than ever
• Upcoming markets, events and opportunities for makers

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drawing on insights from Angela’s recent Ballarat Craft and Design Week practitioner workshop, the conversation explores common website mistakes creatives make online. From gimmicky pop-ups and poor mobile design to missing contact details and location information, they share practical guidance on building a trustworthy online presence that helps audiences connect with your work.

The episode also revisits the changing landscape of online platforms. In From Scroll to Cart, the pair unpack Pinterest’s evolution from inspiration tool to AI-powered shopping platform and discuss what this shift means for artists and makers trying to share authentic work online.

Finally, Renée introduces a surprisingly useful productivity tip hidden in plain sight on the iPhone: the Shortcuts app. With a few simple automations, everyday digital friction can be reduced so you can spend more time focusing on creative work.

What we cover in this episode:

• The importance of treating your website as your professional home online
• Common website mistakes that frustrate visitors and damage trust
• Why gimmicks, pop-ups and excessive plugins can hurt usability
• How mobile browsing has become the most important website experience to design for
• Why contact details and location information matter for discovery and opportunities
• How Pinterest is evolving into an AI-powered shopping platform
• The growing presence of AI-generated imagery online and its impact on creative discovery
• A simple introduction to Apple’s Shortcuts app and how automations can reduce digital friction

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly ten years in business together, Angela and Renée reflect on the pressures of sustaining a values-led business partnership while life, family and capacity shift around them. They talk candidly about the reality of running a small creative business, the importance of pausing when something no longer feels sustainable, and why honesty matters when sharing business advice.

They also dive into a big topic affecting many makers right now: their evolving relationship with social media. From algorithm fatigue to the emotional toll of constant online engagement, they explore whether the platforms that once built creative communities are still serving the people who rely on them.

Along the way they discuss sustainable ways of communicating with your audience, alternatives to social media marketing, and why sometimes the most honest answer in business is simply: we don’t know yet.

What we cover in this episode:

• Returning for Season Three and reflecting on nearly ten years in business together
• Why running a creative business partnership requires constant reassessment
• The reality of capacity shifts when life circumstances change
• Why honesty and transparency matter when mentoring other makers
• Whether social media still serves creative businesses the way it once did
• Algorithm fatigue and the emotional toll of constant online engagement
• The pressure to overshare content in order to stay visible on platforms
• Exploring alternatives to social media marketing for makers
• Tess McCabe’s book Self Promotion Without Social Media
• HBO's The Pitt and Kitiya Palaskas' Spotlight range

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They talk honestly about learning in business, choosing ethical marketing paths, investing with intention, and why slow, sustainable growth often matters more than fast momentum. Along the way, they reflect on the importance of community, collaboration, and creating space to celebrate wins before rushing into the next season.

An important note:

This episode was recorded prior to the tragic events in Bondi. We acknowledge the deep sadness and shock felt across the community, and we send our love, care and support to everyone affected. Our thoughts are with the victims, our Jewish friends, their families, and all those who continue to carry the weight of that day.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why reflection and celebration are essential practices for makers in business
• What it really took to launch and sustain the Make Good Things Happen podcast through Season Two
• Learning new skills later in business and the value of proper training
• Key highlights from Craft Lab 2025 and what’s ahead for Ballarat Craft and Design Week in 2026
• Making ethical marketing decisions and choosing community-aligned partnerships
• What the Made Right Here campaign revealed about proof of concept and momentum
• The importance of slow, sustainable business growth over burnout-driven hustle
• Why good user experience, clear communication and values still matter online
• The return of in-person events and creating space for real conversation
• Gratitude, perspective, and what’s coming next in 2026, including Season Three of the podcast

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When changes happen, how do makers adapt without losing connection in the process?

From Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions to the way platforms have shifted from connection to consumption, our gals unpack what these changes reveal about the online spaces makers rely on. They discuss the loss of genuine community in social feeds, the growing dominance of advertising, and how makers can respond thoughtfully as the digital landscape continues to evolve. Along the way, they share trend insights, cultural news, planning prompts for the year ahead and a reminder that adapting with intention often matters more than reacting fast.

Segments include:

• From Scroll to Cart
• Gruen Lite
• Making News
• Now's a Good Time For...
• This Week I...

What we cover in this episode:

• Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions and what they could mean for connection, community and isolation
• What this changing landscape means for makers trying to stay visible, build trust and sell online
• Thoughtful shopping, including the MGTH holiday gift guide and using the Australian Makers Directory
• Diary season, planning for 2026 and the appeal of starting the year with clear systems
• Renée’s podcast recommendations and the comfort of finding familiar voices and shared experiences
• Creative and cultural news, including the NGV’s Westwood Kawakubo exhibition
• Pantone’s Colour of the Year conversation and what it signals about broader creative trends
• Pinterest’s 2026 trend predictions and how makers can use data to inform future work
• Why January is a valuable window for planning, clearing stock and maintaining momentum
• A rock and roll “This Week I…” featuring Queens of the Stone Age, live.

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Bea Bellingham’s overnight Google Ads disaster to the $96.5 million BOM website fiasco, our ladies discuss what these tech blunders reveal about vulnerability, accountability and the realities facing makers who depend on online platforms. They explore FOMO-fuelled marketing, why content matters more than ever, and how collaboration and communication shape creative success.

Segments include:

• From Scroll to Cart
• Gruen Lite
• Making News
• This Week I...

What we cover in this episode:

• The Google Ads hack that drained a maker’s bank account and the limits of platform protections.
• Why the BOM’s multimillion-dollar website rebuild became a lesson in empathy, accessibility and user experience.
• How FOMO marketing drives online shopping and what eBay LIVE reveals about buyer behaviour.
• Why geographical indication laws are reshaping European craft identity.
• The Mad Men remastering fail that proves file choices and aspect ratios really do matter.
• A wrap of maker-community news, market applications and creative industry updates.
• Launching the new Ross Creek Gallery website and kicking off the Ballarat Craft and Design Week PD program.

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the sudden discount drop that left them “Black Friday’d” to the rise of overly personal SMS marketing, our ladies discuss what this shopping frenzy reveals about customer trust, pricing behaviour and the risks of stretching promotions too far. They explore why false urgency breaks loyalty, how ads demand community management, and what it means to stand firm in your pricing.

Segments include:

• From Scroll to Cart
• Gruen Lite
• Making News
• This Week I...

What we cover in this episode:

• What it means to be “Black Friday’d” and how fast trust can evaporate.
• Why endless discounting trains customers to doubt your pricing.
• The rise of SMS marketing and why it feels intrusive.
• How to handle negative comments on Facebook ads with professionalism and clarity.
• Why your product is not meant for everyone, and why that is okay.
• A wrap-up of maker and creative-community news, design events and industry updates.

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the coloured sand asbestos recall to the realities of supply-chain blind spots, our ladies discuss what recent events reveal about safety standards, consumer trust and why choosing makers over mass-produced goods matters more than ever. Along the way they touch on consumer rights, creative community events and the quiet power of buying thoughtfully.

What we cover in this episode:

• The coloured sand asbestos recall and what it reveals about supply chains and safety standards
• Why thoughtful buying matters and how to choose safer, maker-led alternatives
• A quick PSA on “no refund” signs and knowing your consumer rights
• Renée’s dispatch from the Sydney Ceramics Market and trend highlights
• A wrap of recent creative events, including Crafting Conversation and Made Right Here

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.