Mikaela Whitty: Irish Identity, Science & the Rose of Tralee
What does it mean to belong to two places, and how do family, heritage and community shape the way we see ourselves?
In this episode of Here Comes Everybody, Professor Fergal Coleman is joined by Mikaela Whitty, Melbourne Rose of Tralee 2026, for a conversation about Irish identity, growing up between Ireland and Australia, and representing the Irish community on an international stage.
Born in Melbourne and raised between Australia and Ireland, Mikaela shares her family connections to Wexford, Dublin and Donegal, and the story of how her grandmother encouraged her to enter the Rose of Tralee.
Away from the festival, Mikaela is completing a PhD in Microbiology at La Trobe University, researching cattle health, microbiomes and sustainable agricultural solutions. She discusses the curiosity that drives her scientific work and the unexpected connections between science, culture and community.
From the meaning of the Rose of Tralee to the experience of finding home in more than one place, this is a thoughtful conversation about heritage, ambition, belonging and what it means to represent modern Irish identity.
Here Comes Everybody is brought to you by The Celtic Club.
30 Oct 2026
Finian Sedgwick: Irish Identity, Entrepreneurship & Building a Whiskey Brand
What does it mean to take a little piece of home with you when your career takes you around the world?
Originally from Kilbrittain, West Cork, Finian Sedgwick has spent more than 14 years building a career across the global wine and spirits industry, working across Ireland, Australia, China and the United States.
Now based in Melbourne, Finian joins Professor Ronan McDonald to discuss the experiences, opportunities and ideas that have shaped his journey, from working with some of the world's leading drinks brands to co-founding Black Emerald Irish Whiskey alongside former Irish rugby international Simon Zebo and hospitality entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon.
They explore entrepreneurship, the evolution of Irish whiskey, building a brand with a strong sense of identity, and what it means to represent modern Ireland on the international stage.
An engaging conversation about ambition, heritage, business and the enduring connection to home, wherever life takes you.
23 Oct 2026
Peter Doherty: Curiosity, Science and the Search for Answers
What does it take to change our understanding of the world and what happens when science meets public opinion?
In this episode of Here Comes Everybody, Professor Ronan McDonald sits down with Professor Peter Doherty AC, Nobel Prize-winning immunologist, to explore a life shaped by curiosity, discovery and a determination to ask difficult questions.
Awarded the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside Rolf Zinkernagel for their discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell-mediated immune defence, Peter has spent decades advancing our understanding of the immune system.
Together, Ronan and Peter discuss the realities of scientific discovery, the importance of evidence and expertise, the challenges of public trust in science, and the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also look ahead to the role of artificial intelligence in scientific research and reflect on the curiosity that drives us to keep learning.
An engaging conversation about science, scepticism, human nature and the importance of staying curious.
Here Comes Everybody is brought to you by The Celtic Club — conversations with people whose stories, ideas and experiences invite us to see the world differently.
16 Oct 2026
THE TRINITONES: FINDING HARMONY, FRIENDSHIP & THE POWER OF MUSIC
What happens when friendship, university life and a shared love of music come together to create something extraordinary?
In this episode of Here Comes Everybody, we meet three members of the Trinitones, Trinity College Dublin’s all-male a cappella group, to explore the people and stories behind the harmonies.
From singing together on campus to performing for audiences beyond Ireland, we discuss the unexpected opportunities that come from making music, the friendships formed along the way, and what it takes to create something special as a group. We also explore the place of music in Irish culture, the experience of representing Ireland abroad, and how a shared passion can bring people together across backgrounds and generations.
A conversation about music, identity, friendship and the experiences that connect us, even when we find ourselves far from home.
Here Comes Everybody is the podcast from The Celtic Club, exploring the people, ideas and stories that shape our world.
9 Oct 2026
FROM BELFAST TO MELBOURNE: A CHEF'S JOURNEY
JP is one of Melbourne’s most respected Irish chefs. Originally from Belfast, his career has taken him from the kitchens of Northern Ireland during the Troubles to some of Ireland’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-starred kitchens and the acclaimed Tannery under renowned chef Paul Flynn.
In this episode of Here Comes Everybody, JP reflects on growing up in Northern Ireland in the late 1990s, finding his way into professional kitchens, and working within Ireland’s evolving Michelin-starred restaurant scene. He also shares his perspective on how Australia has changed over the past 20 years - seen through the eyes of an Irish chef who has built a life and career in Melbourne.
A conversation about food, place, ambition, migration and the experiences that shape a career.
2 Oct 2026
The Last Best Hope of Earth: Reflections on the USA at 250
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC?
For the first live recording of Here Comes Everybody, Professor Ronan McDonald (https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/812422-ronan-mcdonald) was joined by Professor Tim Lynch (https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/812422-ronan-mcdonald) and Doctor Emma Shortis (https://australiainstitute.org.au/expert/emma-shortis/)for a fascinating conversation about the United States, American democracy and the forces shaping the country today.
From American exceptionalism and the history of the republic to the strength of democratic institutions and the changing political landscape, the conversation explored some big questions about where America has come from and where it might be heading.
If you’re interested in US politics, American history, democracy, international affairs and the ideas shaping the modern world, this is one to listen to.
Learn more about the Celtic Club here (https://www.celticclub.com.au/)
1 Oct 2026
Here Comes Everybody Intro
Here Comes Everybody is a podcast from The Celtic Club of Victoria, hosted by Professor Ronan McDonald. From politics, history and science to business, culture, sport and society, we have thoughtful conversations with fascinating people and curious minds from Melbourne, Australia and beyond. Expect intelligent, relaxed and engaging discussions designed to make you think, question, discover and see the world differently. Come for the conversation. Leave curious, inspired and with something to think about.
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