Anal cancer rates are rising worldwide, but particularly among gay and bisexual men and people living with HIV, where incidence is significantly higher.

We’re joined by Dr. Matthew Marino, a general and colorectal surgeon who offers high-resolution anoscopy screening in Melbourne.

He breaks down what anal cancer is, its causes and symptoms, and why certain communities face disproportionate risk.

We explore why screening options remain limited across Australia despite growing evidence and international guidelines supporting broader access.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au

Many queer people living in suburban and regional Victoria struggle to access mental health care despite growing community needs.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals aim to fill this gap for people aged 26 and up in places like Melton and Dandenong.

But what are some of the considerations when serving diverse populations, managing logistical challenges, and building visibility in peri-urban areas?

Our guest is Rory, an LGBTQIA+ Specialist Mental Health Manager at Thorne Harbour Health.

They speak with Jack and Joel about why social connection matters for mental health outcomes and how peer-led models differ from traditional therapy.

You’ll also hear about inclusive family practices and what social prescribing actually looks like in practice.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au

In light of International Women’s Day on March 8, we discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of LBQ+ women navigating cultural expectations.

Rachel and Molly kick off by reflecting on the pride festival season coming to an end, and the lingering comedown you may feel afterwards.

Smaller queer gatherings and creative activities can fill the gap left by large festivals, and we discuss how you can stay connected to your communities through art walks, hikes, book clubs, and more.

Dr Judy Tang also joins us to chat about the mental health impact of juggling cultural and queer identities, and outline how you can set healthy boundaries, seek peer support, and foster inclusive leadership.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au

Meredith from Chillout joins us to discuss Victoria’s longest‑running regional queer festival and teases out its evolution over three decades.

This modest grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone event for our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, and plays a pivotal role in fostering visibility and belonging in rural settings.

Shaped by both tradition and innovation, organising this multi‑day celebration isn’t easy given the limited resources Meredith and the team have to work with.

She speaks with Cal and Jack about how the Chillout team overcome funding constraints, regulatory requirements, and limited people power, and how they hope to do this for years to come.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

Director Sophie Hyde and actor Aud-Mason Hyde unpack the new film, Jimpa, tracing the story’s roots to Professor Jim Hyde.

Jim was a pivotal figure in Australia’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we explore how his legacy informs today’s intergenerational queer conversations.

Cal and Jake reflect on the film’s café scenes, the emotional rehearsal process with older gay men, and the challenges of translating lived trauma into drama.

We also discuss the companion project “The Queer Parts of Us,” a digital archive for community storytelling.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

How can we strengthen community ties with a queer Lunar New Year celebration?

James Tapa from Gay Asian Proud (GAP) joins us to discuss the unique challenges faced by multicultural LGBTQ+ people navigating health services, voting, and social belonging in Australia.

He explores with Joel and Jack personal anecdotes about family reunions, lion‑dance performances, and the symbolism behind the zodiac animal of the year.

GAP’s sister group Yellow Kitties is co-hosting the event and we dive into how gender‑specific spaces complement each other.

Whether you’re new to Melbourne’s queer scene or a longtime activist, tune in for insight, inspiration, and a clear invitation to join the celebration.

On JOY 94.9, we play a bunch of new music from Asian-Australian LGBTIQA+ artists, including:

Aisa – Theta Waves
Kaiwyn – Good Boy
Robert Baxter – ICY (Take it Off)
Zhuli – Mitsubishi Sheets
JXCKY – BORDERLINE
Nat Vazer – For What?

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

We dive into the TV series Heated Rivalry, exploring how the show portrays LGBTQ+ athletes in a mixed‑gender ice‑hockey setting.

Kade and Shell from Southern Lights Hockey join Jack and Jake to discuss their local queer ice-hockey team, the series’ blend of drama and advocacy, and more.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.

Sarah Hiley, Drug Checking Director at The Loop Australia joins Jack to discuss the Victorian Pill Testing Service and its role in harm‑reduction.

The service will be present at Victoria’s Pride Street Party, offering a safe, non‑judgmental space for festival‑goers to have their substances tested.

Sarah walks us through the testing process, from anonymous sample submission to rapid results, and highlights the limits and accuracy of the analyses.

We also delve into the broader impact of the service, including its contributions to public health data, emergency alerts, and connections to further support.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.