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In this episode of Pain In The Arts we welcome back returning guest Skye Cusack alongside her sister, emerging writer and artist Chloe Padmore. Together, they share stories of growing up in a creative family. From their father’s childhood 'cool points' system to navigating different age gaps and living an hour apart in Tasmania.
Skye opens up about her publishing journey with Penguin Random House Australia and Magabala Books, while Chloe reflects on finding her own identity as an author and artist. The sisters dive deep into their upcoming co-authored junior fiction novel, discussing how they blend fictionalised superhero lenses with real-life neurodivergent experiences, subjective truths, and family history. They also explore sensitive topics in creative writing, the nuance of 'wokeness' and social awareness, and the power of connection in change-making art.
You might want to listen if:
• You grew up beside someone who made creativity look effortless, and you’ve wondered where that left you.
• You’re cautiously thinking about making something with a sibling, partner or friend.
• You’re a writer looking for new and unique ways to get your book out into the world.
Find Skye on Instagram: @skye_cusack
Find Chloe on Instagram: @CherryPickedCreative
Skye and Chloe both have pieces in a Magabala Books anthology coming out in February.
Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of creative life. Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon Wesley. One of them never knows the topic until recording begins.
If you enjoyed this episode, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who’d love it.
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Theme music by Lyndon Wesley
Produced on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

— The Podcast
So what is it exactly?
Pain In The Arts is a weekly podcast about the reality of making things – the breakthroughs, the false starts, the imposter syndrome and the inevitable triumph that makes it all worth it.
Each week, one of us brings a topic. The other finds out what it is at the same time you do. No scripts. Just a genuine conversation about the creative life we’re actually living.
Hosted by Breallyn and Lyndon – a novelist-in-progress and a music producer – the show has a format we’ve never heard anywhere else.
New episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen.
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