Meet Stephen Tate – the man behind some of Australia’s biggest TV shows.
From launching Australian Idol to producing Survivor and I'm a Celebrity, Stephen’s fingerprints are all over Aussie television history. In this raw, funny, and eye-opening conversation, we talk about his 40-year media career, wild behind-the-scenes moments, the art of casting, and why he's more creatively free now than ever.

This one’s a masterclass in storytelling, production, and pushing creative boundaries.

🧠 Topics We Cover
His early days in WA and a wild first job in radio
Starting in London TV with zero experience
The backstory of The Tempest in Bali and cultural storytelling
Inside Survivor, Idol, I'm a Celebrity, Big Brother, and more
Casting Guy Sebastian and the chaos behind early Idol
Reality TV’s human side and how shows shape culture
Industry shifts, AI, and the death of journalism
Why he’s never asked for funding and what’s next with Favourite Child Studios

Timestamps ⏱️
00:00 Intro – Meet Stephen Tate
02:30 From law school to media dreams
05:00 First jobs in London TV + WA radio chaos
08:00 Cyclones, late nights & early lessons in radio
11:00 The Tempest in Bali – first TV credit
14:30 Learning the ropes in the edit suite
18:00 Inside the making of Survivor
22:00 Casting Guy Sebastian + Idol backstory
26:00 Reality TV ethics, votes & responsibility
30:00 Big Brother's groundbreaking moments
34:00 The power of storytelling in reality TV
38:00 Behind “I’m a Celeb” and its deeper impact
42:00 Thoughts on MAFS, networks & funding
46:00 Creative freedom & starting Favourite Child Studios
49:30 Final reflections – the future of storytelling
52:00 Outro

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Disclaimer: The BLXCK INK Podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. Views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of affiliated individuals or organisations.

Stories shared on this podcast may contain fictional elements or be embellished for creative effect. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated.

This podcast is not intended to provide professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.

No guest, no script — just me, sitting down to talk about where I’ve been, what I’ve built, and why I do what I do.

From running out of cash in a caravan to figuring out how to print shirts from home… this episode is about the real behind-the-scenes of growing a business when you’ve got no plan, just grit and curiosity. I talk about narrowing my scope, learning how to say no, and why being good at what you do — even if it’s not your passion — can still lead to a life you love.

I also touch on that moment when you realise: oh shit… this might actually work.
For anyone out there trying to build something that makes sense for their life — not just their bank account — this one’s for you.

Recorded live during NAIDOC Week Light Projection at Tech Village Bunbury, this episode is a powerful celebration of Aboriginal storytelling, identity, and resilience. Jake sits down with Troy Bennell, renowned Nyoongar artist and cultural educator, and Rhonda Norman, a newly emerging artist and longtime public servant turned creative. Together, they explore deep truths about country, stolen generations, cultural tourism, traditional law, art, and the strength of community.

👉 A must-hear for anyone wanting to better understand local Indigenous culture through the voices of those who live it.

🎨 Guest Bios
Troy Bennell
A Bunbury-based Nyoongar artist and cultural educator, Troy’s work spans painting, storytelling, dance, and tourism. He’s exhibited globally, shared Dreaming stories around the world, and now operates a vibrant art space in Bunbury. Through his tours and teaching, he brings cultural knowledge alive—mixing humour, hard truths, and heart.
Find out more about Troys Tours here: https://www.ngalangwongi.com.au/

Rhonda Norman
After 34 years in federal government service—much of it focused on Indigenous affairs—Rhonda stepped into her creative era. Now active in local art circles, she combines lived experience with deep cultural insight, positioning herself as a bridge between systems. Her art explores identity, ancestry, and intergenerational resilience.

And for all of your uniform needs
Check out our uniform supply & print shop here!
www.outfitco.com.au

Please drop a comment with a question about BLXCK INK..
What you might want to hear about on the next podcast..
What you enjoyed the most about this podcast.. I'd love to hear from ya!

Disclaimer: The BLXCK INK Podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. Views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of affiliated individuals or organisations.

Stories shared on this podcast may contain fictional elements or be embellished for creative effect. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated.

This podcast is not intended to provide professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.