good question
Workshops, coaching, and talks
how it started
We're Lauren Taylor and Simon Winkler, broadcasters who've spent two decades together on air and in the media, at 3RRR, the Wheeler Centre, the ABC and SBS. We're obsessed with interviews and started Good Question as a space to share what we've learned about asking and listening
what we offer
We can help you get better at interviewing, or ask the questions for you as facilitators.
custom workshops
Tailored sessions for teams and organisations who interview, or just want to listen better. We've led an hour with emerging media makers at VMDO's Creators Lab. We also ran a short session at SAP on what makes a good question, and how it changes the way a workplace communicates
Bring us in →
coaching
One to one sessions or small groups, suitable for anyone who wants to ask sharper questions. We also offer media training for those preparing to be interviewed. We've briefed a photographer getting ready for a run of press, and guided a room of musicians through self-reflective exercises to clarify their stories
Enquire →
talks & facilitation
We produce and host conversations, live and recorded. We made the City Central podcast series for Red Bull Music, and produced talks for MPavilion; among them an in-depth interview with the architect Glenn Murcutt. Whatever the topic, we bring an unreasonably high level of preparation
GET IN TOUCH →inside a Conversation Starters workshop
Different ways to research, and how to frame questions that open up a conversation
Build trust, listen closely, and be ready to follow the answer you didn’t expect
Sequence your questions so a clear story can emerge
Test the ideas through guided exercises and open discussion
kind words
I used a new technique from the workshop at a library event this week and got the nicest audience feedback I've ever had! I was able to apply your teachings to my work and notice the immediate effect.
It was SO fun! What valuable insights you're sharing with people. Praying this leads to more good interviews in the world :)
Clear, insightful, and flexible. You each shared so much, I already put it to use.
They've been asking good questions of artists for a long time on radio, and we came up with a whole host of questions for artists to help define their narrative. We've used a lot of it in coaching sessions and groups over the last year.
past workshops & events
conversation starters
Writer for Vogue, The Guardian and the Sydney Morning Herald, who has profiled the likes of Charli XCX and Troye Sivan.
How she builds a big profile piece, from research to the page.
Triple j and Double J broadcaster and creator of Take 5, who has sat down with everyone from Paul McCartney to Kylie Minogue.
Preparing the expansive interview, and getting a guest to truly open up.
Broadcaster who has hosted ABC's Art Works and The Art Of..., and authored Jack Charles's memoir Born-Again Blakfella.
Interviewing about art, and the ethics of who gets to tell the story.
Conversation Starters have run on Saturdays, 9 to 11am, at Hope Street Radio. The first hour is the two of us going through our syllabus: slides, videos, exercises. Then a guest joins for a live interview and your questions. There's coffee and time to debrief afterwards. We keep it to around twenty people
Concession tickets available. Want to know when the next one's on? Sign up for event updates →
The group from our workshop with Namila Benson.
A Conversation Starters morning at Hope Street Radio.
talks & facilitation
Radio host and online culture curator Derrick Gee, in conversation with Lauren and Simon at Tempo Rubato, Brunswick.
How emerging media creators can carve out new pathways in Australia's music landscape.
Event details →A panel with Belleville Studio, To Be Frank and Bistrot Media, at To Be Frank in Collingwood.
What it takes to build a hospitality brand people connect with.
Event details →
Lauren, Derrick Gee and Simon - VMDO talk at Tempo Rubato.
Brand Storytelling in Hospitality at To Be Frank, Melbourne Design Week.
VMDO · Melbourne Design Week · Hope Street Radio · To Be Frank · Belleville Studio · Bistrot Media · Deathproof · SYN · SAP · 3RRR · ABC · SBS · The Wheeler Centre · MPavilion
often asked
Who's it for?
Aspiring and current media makers: broadcasters, podcasters and producers. Professionals who interview at work. And anyone curious who just wants to have richer conversations
Why does it matter?
We think anyone can learn to interview well, and a good question can lead to more detailed stories and deeper connections
Can you host our event?
Yes. We produce and host panels, in-conversations and talks for festivals, brands and organisations. Tell us what you're planning and we'll help shape it
