Podcast
Make Good Things Happen
Hosted by Angela D'Alton and Renée Baker · EN
Make Good Things Happen -
A podcast for makers in business.
Make Good Things Happen is a podcast for makers in business hosted by the dynamic duo behind the Australian maker community Angela D'Alton and Renee Baker of D'Alton Baker Productions.
Expect a relaxed, interesting and cheeky chat about the news, influences and trends that affect the community of makers in business in Australia, peppered with friendly hints and expert tips.
Segments include:
From scroll to cart - talking all things e-commerce from social media to your website and everything online shopping;
Shit customer service - what it says on the box because nothing annoys us more;
Making History (Random Stories from Projects Past) -gossip and tidbits from our rich creative portfolio archive;
Gruen LITE - our thinly veiled attempt at getting the attention of our beloved ABC program whilst sharing our own commentary on media and culture and all things communications;
Making Good Things Happen - stories of the positive kind, the sweet, the cute, the whimsical, the lovely, the good, the productive;
Event breakdown - markets, exhibitions and more - hear our thoughts and reviews of events that matter to you;
Making Headlines - news that affects you as a small creative business;
Maker in Focus - interviews and case studies about Australian makers you should know about;
This Week I… - a little something that we saw, read, watched, listened to or learned in the last week;
From marketing and brand values to social media algorithms and design markets, maker industry experts Angela and Renée, founders of educational membership platform Make Good Things Happen bring their thoughts directly to your ears in this value-packed podcast.
Website: https://www.makegoodthingshappen.com.au/podcast
Instagram: @mgth.com.au
Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness
Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography
Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for in...
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Bound Together: Inside Ballarat Craft + Design Week
3w ago00:34:14Tap to summarizeIn the season finale, Angela and Renée unpack the inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week and the collaborative exhibition "Bound".With questions from Renée, Angela reflects on her role delivering the professional development program for the exhibiting artists, the challenges and rewards of creative collaboration, and the incredible installations created for the Mining Exchange.Our ladies also chat about what happens after a major exhibition ends, pitching creative work, and what they’ve been watching lately, including Daredevil: Born Again and Margo’s Got Money Troubles.Segments include : Events Breakdown, This Week I...What We Cover In This EpisodeThe evolution of Craft Lab into Ballarat Craft and Design WeekAngela’s role delivering the professional development program for the exhibiting cohortThe collaborative exhibition BoundThe challenges and rewards of creative collaborationHow artists developed installations for the Mining ExchangeMentoring creatives through exhibition developmentQuestions artists asked about pricing, touring work and approaching galleriesWhy collaboration can create stronger creative outcomesThe Infuse Art Prize and opportunities for collaborative artworkDaredevil: Born Again and the return of weekly television episode dropsHead to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Who Made Your Clothes? A Fashion Revolution Week Special
Apr 2600:40:45Tap to summarizeIn this special episode, Angela and Renée unpack Fashion Revolution Week and the global movement calling for greater transparency, ethics, and accountability in the fashion industry.Founded in response to the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013, Fashion Revolution Week asks a simple but powerful question: who made your clothes? From fast fashion’s hidden costs to the principles of slow fashion, this episode explores how both shoppers and makers can make more thoughtful choices.Whether you’re buying, making, or somewhere in between, this is a grounded conversation about responsibility, awareness, and doing better over time. Better fashion choices are not about getting it perfect. It's about asking questions and slowing down enough to make a different decision. Whether you’re a shopper or a maker, those small shifts add up, and they matter more than you think.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhat Fashion Revolution Week is and why it existsThe “Who Made My Clothes?” movement and supply chain transparencyThe key issues in fast fashion including labour exploitation and environmental damageThe scale of textile waste and overproduction globallyWhat slow fashion means in practiceHow makers can use transparency as a point of differenceWays to reduce waste within a small creative businessHow to start shopping more consciously without overwhelmThe power of the pause before purchasingWhy personal style matters more than trendsWhat to look for in garment quality and materialsWhere to shop for ethical, secondhand, and slow fashion optionsOrganisations and resources that support ethical fashionHead to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Protecting Your Business from AI Scams
Apr 1900:24:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée unpack a new type of scam that is starting to impact small businesses, where artificial intelligence is used to generate fake “evidence” for refund claims.They also explore what makers should look for when applying to markets and events, especially as new event opportunities emerge, and not all of them are created with stallholders in mind.Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at a recent one-page website project and why simple, strategic websites are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for makers in business.Segments include:From Scroll To CartEvents BreakdownThis Week I...Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Why Pricing Your Work Feels So Hard
Apr 1200:28:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée dive into one of the most challenging parts of running a creative business: pricing. As costs continue to rise and new changes impact small businesses, they explore what it really takes to price your work sustainably.How do you set prices on your handmade products without turning your business into an expensive hobby?From recent changes to card surcharges to the hidden realities of capacity, time and value, our ladies unpack why pricing is far more complex than simple calculations. They discuss the tension between accessibility and sustainability, the impact of wholesale and margins, and why valuing your time is essential. Along the way, they share practical insights, mindset shifts and honest reflections to help makers build pricing strategies that actually support their lives and work.Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Our Takeaways From the Annual AusPost eCommerce Report
Mar 2900:27:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée dive into the latest Australia Post eCommerce Report and unpack what it reveals about how people are shopping online right now. From smaller basket sizes to rising purchase frequency, they explore the shifting behaviours shaping customer decisions.CW: This episode includes discussion of CSA as it relates to social media useWhat happens when convenience starts to outweigh everything else in the buying process?From generational shopping habits to the growing role of delivery expectations, our gals break down what these changes mean for makers selling online. They discuss how customer behaviour is evolving, why understanding your target market is more important than ever, and how small adjustments to your website, checkout and delivery experience can make a real difference.Our ladies also unpack a few key social media stories this week, looking at platform responsibility, privacy changes, and what it might all mean for how we use these tools moving forward.As a Maker in Business, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Were Free Returns Ever Really Free?
Mar 2200:25:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée unpack a shift in online retail that’s changing how makers approach e-commerce: the decline of free returns.If “free” was never really free, what does that mean for your business?Starting with a recent article on retailers moving away from free returns, our gals explore what’s driving the change and why customers are increasingly valuing smooth, reliable post-purchase experiences over cost-free convenience. They dive into the realities of shipping costs, the environmental impact of returns, and the growing importance of logistics, tracking and after-sales systems.Along the way, they discuss what this shift means for makers competing with large retailers, how returns policies can become a strategic decision rather than a default, and why reducing friction after the sale matters more than ever.We also share a round-up of upcoming markets and events across Australia, along with opportunities for makers to apply for exhibitions, grants and markets. Whether you’re looking to shop, exhibit or do a bit of research, there’s plenty happening.Segments include:From Scroll to CartEvents BreakdownMaking NewsThis Week I…We chat about:Why free returns are disappearingWhat customers actually value nowHow your returns policy impacts your bottom lineWhy a smooth post-purchase experience matters more than everUpcoming markets, events and opportunities for makersHead to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Why Your Website Matters More Than Ever
Mar 1500:30:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée return to their regular format with a fresh educational segment designed to support makers navigating a challenging business climate.How can small changes to your digital presence make the difference between being discovered or overlooked?Drawing on insights from Angela’s recent Ballarat Craft and Design Week practitioner workshop, the conversation explores common website mistakes creatives make online. From gimmicky pop-ups and poor mobile design to missing contact details and location information, they share practical guidance on building a trustworthy online presence that helps audiences connect with your work.The episode also revisits the changing landscape of online platforms. In From Scroll to Cart, the pair unpack Pinterest’s evolution from inspiration tool to AI-powered shopping platform and discuss what this shift means for artists and makers trying to share authentic work online.Finally, Renée introduces a surprisingly useful productivity tip hidden in plain sight on the iPhone: the Shortcuts app. With a few simple automations, everyday digital friction can be reduced so you can spend more time focusing on creative work.What we cover in this episode:The importance of treating your website as your professional home onlineCommon website mistakes that frustrate visitors and damage trustWhy gimmicks, pop-ups and excessive plugins can hurt usabilityHow mobile browsing has become the most important website experience to design forWhy contact details and location information matter for discovery and opportunitiesHow Pinterest is evolving into an AI-powered shopping platformThe growing presence of AI-generated imagery online and its impact on creative discoveryA simple introduction to Apple’s Shortcuts app and how automations can reduce digital frictionHead to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Keeping Going When You Don’t Know What’s Next
Mar 800:31:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée return for the first episode of Season Three with an honest conversation about where they are right now as business partners, podcast hosts and humans navigating the realities of running a creative business.How do you keep going when the path forward isn’t entirely clear?After nearly ten years in business together, Angela and Renée reflect on the pressures of sustaining a values-led business partnership while life, family and capacity shift around them. They talk candidly about the reality of running a small creative business, the importance of pausing when something no longer feels sustainable, and why honesty matters when sharing business advice.They also dive into a big topic affecting many makers right now: their evolving relationship with social media. From algorithm fatigue to the emotional toll of constant online engagement, they explore whether the platforms that once built creative communities are still serving the people who rely on them.Along the way they discuss sustainable ways of communicating with your audience, alternatives to social media marketing, and why sometimes the most honest answer in business is simply: we don’t know yet.What we cover in this episode:Returning for Season Three and reflecting on nearly ten years in business togetherWhy running a creative business partnership requires constant reassessmentThe reality of capacity shifts when life circumstances changeWhy honesty and transparency matter when mentoring other makersWhether social media still serves creative businesses the way it once didAlgorithm fatigue and the emotional toll of constant online engagementThe pressure to overshare content in order to stay visible on platformsExploring alternatives to social media marketing for makersTess McCabe’s book Self Promotion Without Social MediaHBO's The Pitt and Kitiya Palaskas' Spotlight rangeHead to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Reflect and Celebrate: Taking Our Own Advice
Dec 2100:34:42Tap to summarizeIn the season 2 final of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée take a pause from their usual format to do what they so often encourage makers to do: reflect on the past year and properly acknowledge what’s been achieved along the way. As the Season Two finale, this episode is about slowing down, taking stock, and recognising progress that can easily be overlooked when you’re always focused on what’s next.From launching the podcast and learning an entirely new skill set, to major professional milestones like Craft Lab 2025, the evolution into Ballarat Craft and Design Week, values-led marketing decisions, and community-first campaigns like Made Right Here, our gals look back on a big year of steady, meaningful work. They talk honestly about learning in business, choosing ethical marketing paths, investing with intention, and why slow, sustainable growth often matters more than fast momentum. Along the way, they reflect on the importance of community, collaboration, and creating space to celebrate wins before rushing into the next season.An important note:This episode was recorded prior to the tragic events in Bondi. We acknowledge the deep sadness and shock felt across the community, and we send our love, care and support to everyone affected. Our thoughts are with the victims, our Jewish friends, their families, and all those who continue to carry the weight of that day.What we cover in this episode:Why reflection and celebration are essential practices for makers in businessWhat it really took to launch and sustain the Make Good Things Happen podcast through Season TwoLearning new skills later in business and the value of proper trainingKey highlights from Craft Lab 2025 and what’s ahead for Ballarat Craft and Design Week in 2026Making ethical marketing decisions and choosing community-aligned partnershipsWhat the Made Right Here campaign revealed about proof of concept and momentumThe importance of slow, sustainable business growth over burnout-driven hustleWhy good user experience, clear communication and values still matter onlineThe return of in-person events and creating space for real conversationGratitude, perspective, and what’s coming next in 2026, including Season Three of the podcastHead to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Quiet Shifts Shaping Maker Businesses
Dec 1400:25:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Make Good Things Happen, Angela and Renée reflect on shifts and trends shaping maker businesses, from changes in social media to the evolving realities of showing up online. As platforms shift, they explore what this means for makers navigating community and sustainable growth.When changes happen, how do makers adapt without losing connection in the process?From Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions to the way platforms have shifted from connection to consumption, our gals unpack what these changes reveal about the online spaces makers rely on. They discuss the loss of genuine community in social feeds, the growing dominance of advertising, and how makers can respond thoughtfully as the digital landscape continues to evolve. Along the way, they share trend insights, cultural news, planning prompts for the year ahead and a reminder that adapting with intention often matters more than reacting fast.Segments include:From Scroll to CartGruen LiteMaking NewsNow's a Good Time For...This Week I...What we cover in this episode:Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions and what they could mean for connection, community and isolationWhat this changing landscape means for makers trying to stay visible, build trust and sell onlineThoughtful shopping, including the MGTH holiday gift guide and using the Australian Makers DirectoryDiary season, planning for 2026 and the appeal of starting the year with clear systemsRenée’s podcast recommendations and the comfort of finding familiar voices and shared experiencesCreative and cultural news, including the NGV’s Westwood Kawakubo exhibitionPantone’s Colour of the Year conversation and what it signals about broader creative trendsPinterest’s 2026 trend predictions and how makers can use data to inform future workWhy January is a valuable window for planning, clearing stock and maintaining momentumA rock and roll “This Week I…” featuring Queens of the Stone Age, live.Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.Instagram: @mgth.com.auBrand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine MadnessBrand photography by Maja Baska PhotographyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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