Out of 900 entries submitted from podcasts across the country to the Australian Podcast Awards (APA), Newcastle’s Makers x Traders Audio Trail were nominated for two categories: Business and Arts & Culture, and on Thursday 2nd December it was announced the Makers x Traders Audio Trail won bronze for Best Business Podcast. 

Makers x Traders (MxT) Audio Trail captures stories from the vibrant independent business community of Newcastle City. With the Newcastle Treasure Map in hand, visitors as well as locals are invited to uncover the City in a most insightful way – discovering the creative culture that makes this town so unique. 

Each episode of Season 2 celebrates conversations with the owners of another 8 unique businesses. Did you know that Steven uses 6 separate industrial machines all squeezed into one room to make a Pride swimsuit? or that Shiv from The Colour Bug works with twenty artists across Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar? And that Ben from Rudderless Records started his collection (now at 5000 records) at the age of 15 in Tamworth? 

Newcastle businesses have had to hold on tightly throughout the rollercoaster ride that was 2021 with high interstate visitation and the severe silence of Covid lockdowns. 

The MxT Audio Trail was developed to fuel the local economy by engaging audiences in a safe way during the coronavirus pandemic. This resurgence of engagement in a post-pandemic world comes just in time for Christmas trade and the holidays, offering a fresh way to engage with local businesses and experience gift shopping. 

The MxT collective of like-minded, creative small businesses are committed to community engagement, sustainable supply practices and to fostering creative communities - highlighted beautifully in these stories. 

“The diversity and quality of this audio series is so exceptional and as someone who knows the community well, I was truly surprised to learn even more as I listened on... I loved delving into the stories of our well-known local characters.” - Becky Kiil (Newcastle Afoot)

The series was produced by independent podcasters Katerina Skoumbas (ABC’s Ozpod) and Brianna Peterson (At Home with Brie & ABC’s Imagine This) as well as Rowena Foong (High Tea with Mrs Woo) and commissioned local music producer Professor Crabb who offers an upbeat opening track for each episode. 

The MXT Audio Trail is supported by the City of Newcastle and features on their official App. 

All 16 episodes of Makers x Traders Audio Trail are now available on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.