by FilmInk Staff
Hosted by acclaimed actor and performer Spencer McLaren (The Secret Life of Us, FAKE) McLaren Versus is more than a podcast – it’s a chance to ‘meet the people behind the stories’ with an intimate and inspiring glimpse into the lives of some of Australia’s most celebrated performers, launching 8 July on all podcast platforms.
Murray Bartlett, Pia Miranda, Shane Jacobson, Christine Anu, Eddie Perfect and more candidly share the highs and lows of their incredible stories in a celebration of resilience, creativity and what makes us who we are.
“I created this podcast to celebrate the extraordinary talent we have right here in Australia. Too often we look overseas for greatness, but our own artists have powerful, moving stories that deserve to be heard. This is about honouring them—who they are, where they’ve come from, and what they’ve overcome.” says Spencer McLaren.
This ‘access all areas’ podcast promises honest, personal and unfiltered conversations, eliciting intimate reflections on life and the world of entertainment like those captured with Shane Jacobson.
“I’ve never said this out loud, this will be the first time I’ve ever said it in my life but it’s probably my ADHD – but I’ve never been (formally) diagnosed. There’s two other things I haven’t had it checked out – whether I’m male – I think I’ve got it pegged, and whether I’m African American or Caucasian… I think I know these things!” says Shane Jacobson.
McLaren Versus host Spencer McLaren is an accomplished Australian actor, presenter, and producer who has garnered acclaim for his versatile performances across stage and screen.
Spencer is a series regular in Paramount+’s breakout hit FAKE opposite Asher Keddie and David Wenham. He also stars in the upcoming NETFLIX original film You, Always alongside Adrian Grenier and Jessica de Gouw.
Born and raised in Sydney, Spencer’s breakthrough role came in the early 2000s when he was cast as Richie Blake in the groundbreaking Australian series The Secret Life of Us. The series, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of modern relationships and urban life, propelled Spencer to national fame and earned him a devoted following.
His extensive career spans over three decades, including producing 14 feature films, two main stage musicals and acclaimed NETFLIX series DIVE CLUB. Spencer has ridden the highs of public adulation and the lows of rejection and self-doubt, making him uniquely qualified to host this podcast.
McLaren Versus – your ‘access all areas’ pass to meet the people behind the stories.
Each episode dives deeper, exploring candid conversations with household names that reveal life lessons, triumphs, and challenges, showcasing the humanity behind public personas.
It’s a new Australian podcast that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the stories that define a life well-lived.
Featuring Murray Bartlett, Pia Miranda, Shane Jacobson, Christine Anu, Eddie Perfect, Heather Mitchell, Damon Gameau, Marina Prior and more.
Mclaren Versus LAUNCHES Tuesday 8 July on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and everywhere you get your podcasts.
New episodes every Tuesday.



