Podcast for the Swinging Lifestyle
…
continue reading
Introducing MECCA Talks, an access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community. Made by Australia’s biggest beauty retailer—and hosted by MECCA’s chief marketing officer, Kate Blythe—this podcast goes beyond what you see in our 100+ stores, on social media, and on The MECCA Memo to swing open the doors to the global beauty industry, and to our network of friends, founders, and collaborators. Expect conversations with brand founders, industry experts, a ...
…
continue reading

1
The Story Behind Every MECCA Skin Specialists’ Favourite Cream
54:39
54:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:39In today’s episode, Kate is joined by French pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michèle Evrard. If you’ve ever walked into a MECCA store looking for something to soothe sensitive or irritated skin, it’s likely our team has shown you the Cosmetics 27 range. Since launching at MECCA over 10 years ago, the brand has earned cult status thanks to their…
…
continue reading

1
Why ILIA’s Viral Skin Tint Almost Didn’t Happen
38:36
38:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:36In today’s episode, Kate is joined by ILIA founder and beauty pioneer, Sasha Plavsic. Sasha was in her early 30’s when she launched ILIA from her grandmothers’ garage over 14 years ago. While working full-time as a branding executive, she took a closer look at the ingredient lists of her favourite beauty products and realised a gap for high-perform…
…
continue reading

1
Isamaya Is The Artist Of The Next Generation
44:24
44:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:24British born makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has spent more than a decade bringing her avant-garde looks to life on some of the most recognisable faces. From Kate Moss to Rihanna, Zendaya to Cher. Her distinctive style and non-conformist approach to beauty has also made her one of the most sought-after artists for fashion shows and editorial campaign…
…
continue reading

1
Jerrod Blandino Built a Beauty Icon. Now, He’s Doing It Again.
42:09
42:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:09In today’s episode Kate is joined by Polite Society founder, Jerrod Blandino. If the name sounds familiar, you’d be right – before founding Polite Society with his husband Jeremy Johnson, the two were best known for creating Too Faced in the late ’90s and building it into the beauty juggernaut it is today. Less than two years ago, the duo launched …
…
continue reading

1
Why Katie Jane Hughes Is Everyone’s Favourite Makeup Artist
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by one of the industry's most beloved makeup artists, Katie Jane Hughes. 10 years ago the UK-born artist started an Instagram account to showcase her work as a nail technician. After pivoting from manicures to makeup, Katie began to build a following of loyal beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her approach…
…
continue reading

1
Uni’s Alexandra Keating On Why The Best Body Care Is… Blue!
25:32
25:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:32In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by tech-entrepreneur turned beauty founder, Uni’s Alexandra Keating. After starting not one, but two successful tech startups, Sydney born and LA-based Alexandra Keating (or as she prefers, AK) took a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with her husband Rupert. Realising how much the reef had changed since…
…
continue reading

1
Rae Morris Teaches Us How To Actually Apply Eyeliner
36:59
36:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:59In today’s episode Kate is joined by one of Australia’s most acclaimed makeup artists and founder of her eponymous brand, Rae Morris. Rae’s work with international brands, countless celebrities and major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and I.D. has earned her the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year – four times. With a passion for t…
…
continue reading

1
Flamingo Estate’s Richard Christiansen On Living a Fuller Life
31:12
31:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:12In today’s episode, Kate is joined in the MECCA Talks studio by Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen. You may remember their first conversation in 2022, where they spoke about Richard’s journey from growing up in rural NSW to a career in fashion, publishing and advertising in New York – and finally to the COVID-induced ‘pivot’ that led him …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 56 “That’s some bomb azz SOY”
1:07:13
1:07:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:13Welcome back…its been awhile ! Where do we start in describing the shenanigans of Episode 56? Well for starters, this is NOT our final episode as we had once thought. We have decided to tease your ears for possible another year. We have too many things going on that may or may not lead to major life and LS changes, so we thought we would ride out t…
…
continue reading

1
Summer Fridays' Marianna Hewitt On Co-Creating The Internet's Favourite Beauty
38:00
38:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:00In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt. After growing a loyal audience as a beauty blogger, Marianna (alongside co-founder and fellow content creator Lauren Ireland) noticed a gap in the skincare space for a range of efficacious products that combine aesthetically pleasing packaging and consciou…
…
continue reading

1
How Fig.1’s Approach To Retinol Changed The (Skin) Game
36:56
36:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:56In today’s episode Kate is joined by US board-certified dermatologist and Fig.1 co-founder, Dr Courtney Rubin. In 2021, drawing on her degrees from Yale, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, as well her experience treating patients in her clinic, Dr Rubin co-founded skincare brand Fig.1 alongside entrepreneurial powerhouse Kimmy Scotti. With…
…
continue reading

1
Amy Liu Talks Tower 28, The Fastest-Growing Beauty Brand For Sensitive Skin
46:41
46:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:41In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Tower 28 founder Amy Liu. Having experienced chronic eczema for most of her adult life, the former beauty executive struggled to find makeup that didn’t worsen her skin sensitivities, often feeling confined to boring, uninspiring products. Leaning on her wealth of knowledge after 15-plus years of e…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 55 ” Considering Hot-Husbanding ??”
1:10:10
1:10:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:10Alright Alright Alright. Welcome to Episode 55 ” Considering Hot-Husbanding?” In this episode we dive into a listener submitted question , and give our tips and tricks on what we have learned from hubby solo play…. as well as discuss a few things that havent worked out quite as well as planned . Before we address this question, we go thru our norma…
…
continue reading

1
Hunter Schafer Talks Euphoria’s Return, And Creating an Anime Short with Shiseido
22:18
22:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:18In today’s episode, Kate is chatting with celebrated actor Hunter Schafer, best known for her roles in HBO’s Euphoria, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and in the near future, the epic mini-series that will be Blade Runner 2099. From her hotel room in Barcelona, Hunter filled us in on her role as Global Brand Ambassador for Shi…
…
continue reading

1
Ariel Tejada Changed How We Do Makeup Forever
31:53
31:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:53In today’s episode, Kate is joined by globally recognised makeup artist and Morphe collaborator, Ariel Tejada – or as he’s known by beauty lovers around the world, @makeupbyariel. In the mid-2010s, the self-taught artist started sharing his work on Instagram, quickly capturing the attention of the beauty world with his unique approach to soft glam.…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 54 “It’s Podbash Time Again “
1:10:44
1:10:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:44Welcome to episode 54 ” It’s Podbash time again” In a strange twist of fate, we release an episode on time here! As you can tell… we will be catching you up on all the fun we had on our recent Florida trip, especially the fun had at Secrets Resort in Kissimmee . So give us a listen and join in on this sexy retelling ! The post Episode 54 “It’s Podb…
…
continue reading

1
The Mini: Our Favourite SPFs And The Great Glitter Eye Debate
24:21
24:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:21This week, Tara and Kerri discuss the birthday makeup trend, share their thoughts on the newest SPF launches and debate whether glitter or smoky eyes are the easiest look. Plus, they share what International Day of the Girl (coming up on Friday 11 October!) means to them. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only on…
…
continue reading

1
Kosas Founder Sheena Zadeh is Four Years Ahead of The Makeup Game
43:44
43:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:44In today’s episode, Kate is joined by one of our most highly requested guests, Kosas founder Sheena Zadeh. By combining her love of biology, business and colour theory, Sheena created a makeup brand that not only has the most flattering and easy to use shades and formulations, but is just as good for your skin as your favourite skincare. Almost a d…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 53 ” Splish SPLASH, It’s pool party season”
1:07:03
1:07:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:03Episode 53 “Splish SPLASH, its pool party season” Welcome to the typically late episode of the Swinging Flamingos Podcast. In this episode, we are going to cover every swingers favorite past-time….. The pool party. We start out with a local friends pool party, then cover the disappointment that was the Club OKCs annual event, and then we finish wit…
…
continue reading

1
The Mini: Overcoming Sensitive Skin and Trying To Make 'Blonze' Happen
22:24
22:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:24This week, Tara and Kerri decode ‘blonzing’ (the blush-bronzer hybrid trend you will love), share life-changing makeup tips from the founder of Kosas, and get real about the struggles of sensitive skin. Plus, they chat about the products you need to make room for on your bathroom shelf. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunsc…
…
continue reading

1
How Donni Davy turned ‘Euphoria Makeup’ into Half Magic Beauty
38:10
38:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:10In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with Donni Davy to celebrate the launch of her sparkly new makeup brand, Half Magic, at MECCA. Occasionally, a makeup artist comes along and changes beauty culture – which is what Donni did when HBO’s Euphoria first aired in 2019. She went on to win two Emmys for her work on the iconic series, and kickstart…
…
continue reading

1
The Mini: Olympic Beauty, And Can Anyone Find This Lip Liner?
22:25
22:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:25In this episode, our Head of Content, Tara, and Editorial Content Manager, Kerri, chat about their favourite Olympic beauty looks and the Kérastase hair oil worthy of gold. Plus, they reveal the Tower 28 products (coming soon to MECCA) at the top of their wishlist and Kerri’s long-lost lip liner. The Mini Must-Haves: What we’re obsessed with: NARS …
…
continue reading

1
Emily Weiss On Why Glossier Isn’t A Trend Brand
29:42
29:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:42In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Emily Weiss, founder of Glossier, to celebrate the launch of her cult-loved brand into Australia and New Zealand, exclusively at MECCA. After leaving a career in fashion to work full-time on her popular beauty blog, Into The Gloss, Emily saw a gap in the market for a brand that had a customer-focused, “Skin Fir…
…
continue reading

1
The Mini: Brat Beauty and In-Flight Masking
22:41
22:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:41In this conversation our Head of Content, Tara, and Editorial Content Manager, Kerri, chat about their travel beauty essentials, their obsession with ‘Brat Girl Summer’ and the makeup products they just can’t get enough of. The Mini Must-Haves: What we’re obsessed with: Rituel de Fille Celestial Sphere Gelée Eye Gloss Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matt…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 52 ” Its Time to get Naughty’ again”
1:36:52
1:36:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:36:52Welcome or out 52nd Episode ” Its Time to get Naughty again” In this episode, we break down our CRAZY week at the grandaddy of all LS Events- Naughty in Nawlins. Its been awhile since we recorded, so we got a lot of catching up to do. We discuss major changes in our careers, and how that will affect our travel, marriage and lifestyle dynamics. We c…
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Lara Devgan on Life as a Plastic Surgeon in NYC
30:25
30:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:25In today’s episode, we’re in the studio with Dr Lara Devgan, US board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Lara Devgan skincare. After opening her own practice on New York’s Upper East Side – and quickly becoming one of the city’s most sought-after aesthetic specialists – Dr Lara added ‘CEO’ to her already impressive resume when she founded…
…
continue reading

1
Urban Decay’s ‘Naked’ Palette Started a Revolution
13:54
13:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:54In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with Urban Decay’s Head of Global Artistry and celebrity makeup artist, Steve Kassajikian. In this short but sweet conversation, they discuss the history of this iconic brand, the legacy of Naked Palettes, his ultimate beauty muses and why everyone needs to try the 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in ‘Space Cowboy’.…
…
continue reading

1
The Mini: our new series, winter skin and Glossier goss
22:40
22:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:40Welcome to MECCA Talks: The Mini, our new sample-sized podcast reporting on the biggest things in beauty right now. Tune into each episode as our Head of Content, Tara Lamont-Djite, and Editorial Content Manager, Kerri Gordon, dissect the latest beauty news making the rounds at MECCA HQ. Think: emerging trends, under-the-radar products and the new …
…
continue reading
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access-all-areas pass to the beauty, business and lifestyle experts we call our community. In today’s episode, Kate is handing over the hosting mic to MECCA’s Head of Fabulosity, Tony Baumann, and Makeup Education Manager, Hannah Daniel, to talk through the best of the best in beauty. In this conversation, our self…
…
continue reading

1
Elise Loehnen pioneered 'wellness'; now, she's dismantling it
42:29
42:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:29In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate Blythe is joined in the studio by Elise Loehnen. Elise is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Editor, Podcast Host and the former Chief Content Officer for GOOP (you might recognise her from their podcast or Netflix series). From serums to psychedelics, juices and drips, Elise has explored every corner of th…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 51 “Naughty in Nawlins survival guide”
1:07:14
1:07:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:14Whassup sexies??……..we are back from the great beyond with another fun filled episode ! The Month of June is quickly approaching and soon Naughty in Nawlins will be takig over the sweltering skyline of the BIG EASY. We have many new friends and listeners that have reached out saying they will be joining us this year, and have asked us for our tips …
…
continue reading
Welcome to Episode 50 of the Swinging Flamingos Podcast “When Unicorns Attack” Weve been out of pocket for a few extra weeks, so we thought we would dive in to a topic that we have been asked about multiple times. We start the episode talking about some things we have going in our personal lives, and look forward to our upcoming anniversary trip, w…
…
continue reading

1
Professor Augustinus Bader and Charles Rosier, LIVE at MECCA George Street
41:43
41:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:43In today’s episode of MECCA Talks – recorded live and in front of a studio audience at MECCA George Street – Kate is joined by Professor Augustinus Bader and Charles Rosier, Co-Founders and CEO, respectively, of the brand responsible for Hollywood’s picture perfect complexions, Augustinus Bader. A globally recognized biomedical scientist and physic…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 49 “Slut Shaming……..Yourself”?
1:16:49
1:16:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:49Welcome to Episode 49 of the Swinging Flamingos podcast. In this episode we take on the long standing problem of slut shaming. We start off the episode addressing Mr Flaminogs undying love for Taylor Swift. From there we delve into a few of the events we have been attending , despite being somewhat on a hiatus from lifestyle events and activities. …
…
continue reading

1
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s ‘vampire’ facial changed the face of Hollywood
27:26
27:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:26In today’s episode, Kate is joined by the legendary Dr. Barbara Sturm, whose eponymous skincare brand supercharged celebrity-status skincare into the mainstream. Recorded in the service suites of Dr. Sturm’s London spa and boutique, this exclusive conversation covers Dr. Sturm’s journey from orthopaedics to skincare, the creation of the famous ‘vam…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 48 “New Year, Same Old Flamingos”
1:08:16
1:08:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:16Welcome to Episode 48 of the Swinging Flamingos Podcast. We had a bit of an extended break from recording due to work and family obligations, but we are back with a fun new offering. In this episode, we catch you up an a lot (but not all) of the things we have been doing in the lifestyle . For starters, we cover a few of the reason we have decided …
…
continue reading

1
Bethan Laura Wood is bringing kaleidoscopic colour to the NGV Triennial
31:26
31:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:26In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with celebrated multidisciplinary designer and recipient of the 2023 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, Bethan Laura Wood. The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission is a major series inviting internationally renowned female designers and architects to create a significant new work for the NGV Collecti…
…
continue reading

1
D.S. & DURGA are leading a fragrance revolution
32:14
32:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:14In today’s episode, Kate is in New York visiting the Brooklyn HQ of Kavi and David Moltz, the creative brains (and noses) behind non-traditional fragrance house, D.S. & Durga. David, a musician and self-taught perfumer, alongside Kavi, an architect and designer, work together approaching scent like music or art – breaking the boundaries of the very…
…
continue reading
Episode 47 ” A Pool Party to Remember” Wow, what can we say about this episode, other than we had a very ODD experience at a pool party, that left both of us in awe. The events of this party led into some discussions about safety in the LS, as well as the imporatane of not only understanding CONSENT, but also practacing it. Since we are getting dee…
…
continue reading
Episode 46 ” PodBash 3X” Welcome to our latest episode of The Swinging Flamingos Podcast. After a short hiatus of being on the “blacklist” for our podcast host, we are back again . As noted, we delve into the Grand-Daddy of podcast events, and give our take on this years mega event. Everything from dances, friends from all over, poolside games, as …
…
continue reading

1
Makeup artist Violette on why French beauty is all about irreverence
42:53
42:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:53In today’s episode, Kate is joined by adored makeup artist, creative director and founder and CEO of Violette_FR, Violette. Launching into MECCA this week, Violette talks about the very beginnings of her brand and ‘”irreverent” beauty ethos – from mixing her own colours and textures on set to changing the way we all make and consume beauty content …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 45 ” Signs, Signs, everywhere Signs
1:11:23
1:11:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:23Welcomei to Episode 45 of the Swinging Flamingos Podcast. In this episode we get into some uniqure discussions(even for us). We start off talking about some fun dates we have been enjoying, as welll as big trip we took with some lifestyle friends to New Orleans, and then Gulf Shores Alabama. We then discuss a new dynamic we seem to be venturing int…
…
continue reading

1
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wants you to know her beauty secrets
52:05
52:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:05In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by supermodel, movie star, editor, mother-of-two, beauty obsessive, and Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rose Inc., Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Recorded in the Townhouse Suite of Los Angeles’ historic Sunset Tower Hotel, Rosie shares the story of growing up in Devon as a magazine obsessive, gett…
…
continue reading

1
How Allies of Skin turned founder Nicolas Travis’ life (and skin) around
41:57
41:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:57In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis. With a degree in biomedical and pharmaceutical science, a master’s in international business and a history of severe acne and reconstructive facial surgery, Nicolas created Allies of Skin from a desire to rebuild his own confidence, and to demystify skincare…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 44 “We’re Talking Naughty (in Nawlins that is)”
1:36:43
1:36:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:36:43Welcome to the 44th installment of The Swinging Flamingos Podcast. In this episode, we talk about the grand-daddy of events – Naughty in Nawlins. This was the 25th anniversary of the event, as well as our 7th trip to the event. As per our normal bit, we lead into this event with no expectations, and end up having some sexy new experiences regardles…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 43 ” The Flamingos do the ENM Summit”
1:21:12
1:21:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:12Episode 43 ” The Flamingos do the ENM Summit” Welcome to another riveting episode of our podcast. In this episode we travel to Houston Texas to attend the ENM Summit put on by Brian and Brenna of the Front Porch Swingers Podcast. The purpose of this event was to gather together people in the industry to debate practices and ideas in the space which…
…
continue reading

1
How Christine Chang made Glow Recipe a global skincare phenomenon
40:07
40:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:07In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Christine Chang, co-founder and co-CEO of Glow Recipe, the fruit-forward skincare brand that has taken the world – and TikTok – by storm. Over a glass of wine and a sheet mask – with their Korean heritage and successful careers in beauty alike – Christine and her best friend, co-founder Sarah Lee, developed Glo…
…
continue reading

1
Demystifying menopause and how it will change your beauty routine with Dr Fatima Khan
47:08
47:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:08In today’s episode, we’re demystifying menopause with specialist and women’s hormone and mental health advocate, Dr Fatima Khan. The process of menopause has the power to change the way that women look – and more importantly, feel – but for far too long the conversation around these changes and how to embrace them has remained hush. Dr Khan complet…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 42 ” Is it OUR resposibility to promote the lifestyle to others” ?
1:19:46
1:19:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:46Hey guys, welcome to Episode 42 of the Swinging Flamingos podcast. I this episode, we have 80 mins of juicy lifestyle events and discussions in store for you. Damn did we have a crazy weeks to share with you. While we didnt have the bandwidth to cover it all this episode, we talk about a pair of sexy house parties we attended, a wacky St Paddys pub…
…
continue reading

1
Why Tiffany Masterson created Drunk Elephant (and the bronzing serum that sent TikTok wild)
44:54
44:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:54In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Tiffany Masterson, founder and creative director of cult-status skincare brand Drunk Elephant. A mother of four from Houston, Texas, Tiffany set out on a mission to understand and resolve her own skincare concerns – discovering six ingredients at the root of her issues, and minimal products without at least one…
…
continue reading