Mennan Yelkenci:  Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Booked AI & Revolutionising How We Travel

This week Nicola and Di chat with entrepreneur and visionary, Mennan Yelkenci. Mennan was awarded the 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is the founder of Booked.ai, the world's first IATA-accredited AI travel agent. Mennan swapped a career in corporate ASX roles for the world of startups, and we loved hearing his story and the exciting projects he’s working on.  In this episode, we chat to Mennan about the path that led him here. From consulting on renewable energy projects (and helping international developers communicate with Aussie farmers), to building Apify to solve his own frustrations with outsourced tech development, and finally launching Booked.ai, an IATA-accredited AI travel agent, to help plan and book your next trip. Mennan is an amazing example of someone who spots a problem and builds the solution. We get into exactly how Booked.ai works, the built-in duty-of-care safeguards that check destination safety before you fly, right through to the reassurance that real human travel agents are still there on the back end when something needs a personal touch. Mennan is clear that Booked.ai isn't here to replace human travel agents, but to offer an alternative for the times you just want it sorted, fast and to disrupt the online booking space.  We also talk about our love of travel, Mennan’s Turkish heritage and his incredible tips for a Turkey itinerary (Istanbul, Alaçatı, Bodrum and Cappadocia are all must-dos), and what makes him tick as a new dad and a serial entrepreneur. We had such a great time with Mennan. His energy, ambition and vision for the future of travel are infectious. We hope you love this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Mennan on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/mennannn/ Follow Booked AI on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/booked.ai/ Find out more about Booked AI and use it here - https://booked.ai/ Follow Booked AI on LinkedIn here - au.linkedin.com/company/booked-ai Follow Mennan on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mennan-yelkenci/ Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di chat with the incredible Marney McQueen. Marney is an actress, singer, comedian, cabaret queen, marriage celebrant, publican, and self-described lover of people. Marney has lit up stages in Hairspray and Titanique, brought her hilarious alter-ego Rosa Waxoffski to life around the world, and also runs a beloved pub on the NSW Central Coast with her husband, Frank. We chat to Marney about her early love of impersonation, her three attempts to get into NIDA, and the story of how a chance meeting with Barry Humphries set her on the path to creating Rosa Waxoffski, the bikini waxer to the stars who somehow became "responsible" for everything from Logie wins to Test cricket selections.  We loved hearing how Marney and her husband took a leap of faith and bought a pub in Wyong, and turned it into a genuine community hub with cabaret nights, fundraising that's raised more than a quarter of a million dollars, and everyday moments of connection that remind us what a good local pub can really do for people.  Marney also reminds us that age is but a number with the story of landing her first lead musical role at 46, playing Celine Dion in the hit show Titanique, and she even gave us a live snippet of "My Heart Will Go On", which was breathtaking. We also talk about Marney's next big role as the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, opening in Sydney this October, her friendship and creative collaboration with Em Rusciano, and her beautiful perspective on hanging in there, backing yourself, and why it's never too late to bloom.  This episode is full of heart, inspiration and proof that passion and persistence really do pay off. Marney is pure joy - you’ll love this one!  This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Marney on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/marneymcqueen/ Follow The Royal Hotel Wyong on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/royalhotelwyong/ Buy Tickets to Spamalot here - https://www.drewanthonycreative.com.au/spamalot-melbournesydney-2026 Find out more about Marney’s work here - https://www.marneymcqueen.com/ Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di chat with the bubbly, gorgeous Amanda Ramsay, an award-winning makeup artist who's worked with some of the biggest names in the Australian entertainment industry. Amanda has worked across TV, weddings and events, but for her, beauty has always gone far beyond the makeup itself. It's about confidence, self-care, and feeling good from the inside out. We chat to Amanda about the light bulb moment that changed the course of her career when she walked into a beauty retailer as a new mum in her early 40s and realised that no one was serving women 40 plus. That moment sparked what would become a mission to help thousands of women feel confident and seen, through in-person classes, online courses, and uncomplicated, real-world techniques that actually work at this stage of life. We dive deep into all things skincare and makeup, from why hydration is the real key to a glowing complexion, to Amanda's "less is more" philosophy when it comes to texture and coverage. She shares her favourite tricks for looking instantly more awake, why blush and a strong brow can transform your whole face, and her take on lip liners, stains and fillers for a fuller-looking pout without looking overdone. We also talk about the emotional side of beauty, the importance of finding your own features to love rather than fixate on, and why reinvention can be one of the most empowering things a woman can do. Amanda's advice throughout is simple, practical and full of heart, and we walked away with tips we can't wait to try. We had so much fun chatting with Amanda. She's warm, generous and clearly loves helping women feel their best. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Amanda on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/amandaramsaymakeup/ Find out more about Amanda’s Make-Up Course for Women Over 40 here - https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/collections/start-here/products/ageless-beauty-course Buy Amanda’s favourite make-up products here - https://shop.amandaramsay.com.au/ Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are bringing you one of our favourite episodes from Season 2. An episode that Nicola and Di recorded at Hamilton Island Race Week where they interviewed a collection of world-class sailors. This week’s episode brings you all 4 of those inspiring chats.  First up we talk to Alice Parker - a remarkable 30-year old navigator who’s raced in 4 Sydney to Hobarts, as the only female on an all-male crew, as well as several world championships that have taken her to many different countries. We hear about Alice’s best moment at sea, as well as the most frightening, which happened during one of her Sydney to Hobarts. Not only is Alice an incredible young sailor, she’s also a physiotherapist and is back studying at uni again to upskill in some maths and physics. You’ll want to hear Alice’s answer for who she wants to meet at the back fence because it’s truly beautiful.  We then get the chance to chat with Mark Richards, the sailor and boat builder that many listeners would know as the long time skipper of Wild Oats, who has won the Sydney to Hobart a stunning 9 times! We hear the amazing story of how Mark got started in sailing and how he credits it to being adopted by the right people. Mark tells some great stories about his friendship with Bob Oatley, the comradery of the sailing community as well as his greatest achievements and most harrowing moments at sea.  Our third conversation is with the dynamic sailor girl Nic Douglass. When you listen in to this chat you’ll hear just how much passion and enthusiasm Nic has for sailing. Having just returned from the Olympics where Nic was part of the team commentating for the crowds on-the-ground in Marseille, we hear how the work she does now and the media company she started actually came after she was at one of her low points when she didn’t qualify for the London Olympics in 2012. Nic is proof that sometimes it’s the low moments in our lives and careers that become turning points and lead to really great opportunities.   Finally, we talk to the incredible Stacey Jackson who has sailed in a whopping 16 Sydney to Hobarts and is nowhere near stopping! Not only that but Stacey has also competed in a 9-month round-the-world race not once, but twice including conquering Cape Horn, which is known as the Mt Everest of the sailing world. We hear what it was like the first time Stacey sailed around the world and the most incredible story of how her crew survived after their mast broke shortly after they’d rounded Cape Horn on her second trip around the world. Stacey was also the skipper on Wild Oats when Julie Bishop famously jumped off the back of the boat after the start of the race in Sydney.  This episode is full of so many great stories and wonderful personalities. It was so much fun recording on location up in Hamilton Island and we really hope you love tuning in to this one.   This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Alice Parker on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/alice.tarnawski.physio/ Follow Wild Oats X on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/wildoatsx/ Follow Palm Beach Motor Yachts on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/palmbeachmotoryachts/ Follow Sailor Girl Nic Douglass on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/sailorgirlhq/ Follow Stacey Jackson on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/staceyjackson26/ Follow Hamilton Island Race Week on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/hamiltonislandraceweek/ Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di chat with the inspiring and radiant Lizzie Williamson. Lizzie is a global motivator, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, former professional dancer, and is also known as "The Excuse Buster from Down Under." Lizzie has shared stages with Barack and Michelle Obama, Arianna Huffington and the Dalai Lama, and brings her infectious energy and practical tools to help people stop overthinking and start taking action. We chat to Lizzie about her early love of dance and the devastating postnatal depression she experienced after the birth of her second daughter. She shares the moment that changed everything, and how it only took two minutes to take the smallest possible step forward.  That two-minute moment became the foundation of Lizzie's philosophy and her bestselling books, including her latest, Just Two Minutes. We talk about how shifting from an "all or nothing" mindset to "all or something" can be the difference between staying stuck and getting unstuck, and why the smallest actions can create ripple effects that change your life.  We also loved hearing about Lizzie's tips for overcoming the sedentary workday, and her simple but powerful advice on gratitude, comparison, and building a circle of support, even if it starts with just one phone call to one friend.  We had the best time with Lizzie, her warmth and energy are contagious, and we hope you love this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Lizzie on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/lizziewilliamsonofficial Find out more about Lizzie’s work and buy her books here - https://www.lizziewilliamson.com/ Find out more about The Gidget Foundation here - https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/contact-us Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di chatted with the award-winning journalist, Michael Usher. Michael has spent more than three decades at the centre of some of the biggest stories in Australia and around the world, and in this episode he takes us right into the thick of it. Now the chief network anchor at 7 News and host of Spotlight, Michael has covered war zones, 9/11, the Iraq War, royal weddings, the Queen's funeral, and so much more. We could have listened to his stories for hours! We chat to Michael about how a defining moment as a teenager, watching Australian correspondents reporting from the other side of the world, set him on the path to journalism. He shares the wild, wonderful chaos of cutting his teeth as a young reporter in Kalgoorlie, before landing his big break in Sydney at just 23, and the extraordinary twist of fate that saw him report live from New York on the morning of September 11. We also talk about some of the most memorable moments of his career, including an unforgettable, switch-flicking interview with the Duchess of York, and the circus of covering the Rose Porteous and Gina Rinehart saga early in his career. Michael opens up about the toll that years of travel and war reporting took on his family life, the guilt that comes with missing milestones, and how humour, a good curry, and a glass of red have helped him process some of the hardest things he's witnessed. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Michael's account of covering the Abdallah and Sakr families' extraordinary story of forgiveness after the death of four children in a car crash, and the powerful impact that story had on families watching at home. We also get his take on covering the Bondi tragedy with care and calm, why he said yes to Dancing with the Stars despite being terrified, and the wisdom he'd offer his 20-year-old self after three decades in the industry. We loved getting to know the man behind the calm, familiar voice we've all grown up watching. We hope you love this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Michael on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/michaelusher/ Follow Channel 7 News on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/7newsaustralia Follow Spotlight on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/7newsspotlight Vote for Michael in the Logies here - https://tvweeklogies.com.au/ Get the latest from Channel 7 News here - https://7news.com.au/ Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di welcome a very special double act, Grant Denyer and his wife Chezzi. Grant has spent decades entertaining Australians on television with his quick wit, boundless energy, and refreshing honesty about life's highs and lows. Chezzi's journey into spirituality and intuitive work has inspired so many to think differently about life's deeper questions. Together, this couple have weathered incredible highs and real challenges, and we loved every minute of getting to know their story. In this episode, we chat to Grant and Chezzi about how they met as colleagues who, by their own admission, didn't even like each other at first, until the moment when everything changed. We also talk candidly about the aftermath of Grant's horrific accident and the painkiller addiction that followed, and how Chezzi found herself thrust into the role of carer within weeks of their relationship beginning. It's raw, honest, and a powerful reminder of what it means to show up for someone through the hardest of times. We also dive into Chezzi's incredible book, The Weird Little Girl Who Talked to Ghosts, and her lifelong connection to spirit. She opens up about the childhood experiences she didn't understand, to losing touch with her gift entirely, to the profound loss that brought it flooding back. Her stories about the messages she's able to deliver, and the healing it brings to grieving families, are truly beautiful to hear. Grant and Chezzi also open up about the work they've each done on themselves around understanding their childhood wounds, learning how those patterns show up in marriage, and how self-awareness (rather than blame) has helped them build a stronger relationship. We talk about Grant's Gold Logie win, his fear of failure, and Chezzi's beautifully instinctive approach to life. This is one of those conversations that has it all: laughter, honesty and real wisdom. We had the best time chatting with Grant and Chezzi  and we hope you love this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Grant on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/grantdenyer/ Follow Chezzi on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/chezzidenyer/ Buy Chezzi’s book The Weird Little Girl Who Talked To Ghosts here - https://www.briobooks.store/products/the-weird-little-girl-who-talked-to-ghosts Follow Grant’s work here - https://www.grantdenyer.com.au/ Follow Chezzi’s work here - https://chezzidenyer.com.au/ Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di sit down with the funny and unfiltered Em Rusciano. As most of our Australian listeners will know, Em is a comedian, performer, writer, singer, author, podcaster and proud mum of three. From music and radio to stage and screen, Em has built a career turning life's messiest, funniest and most honest moments into stories that make people laugh and feel truly seen.  In this episode we chat to Em about her incredible journey, from growing up as the overachieving daughter of Italian immigrants in Melbourne, to accidentally auditioning for Australian Idol after a karaoke night, to building a career in radio and now touring the country independently with her own stage show. It's a story of reinvention, courage and never quite playing by the rules, which we absolutely love!  We also talk to Em about the huge life changes she’s been going through over the past few years, including the end of her 25-year marriage, discovering she's ADHD and autistic in her 40s, and going through perimenopause all at once. She opens up about learning to choose herself first, and why she believes women are given so little permission to put themselves at the top of their own list. Em also shares all the details of her new show, Addicted to Love, touring nationally from August. It’s a funny cabaret about being conditioned from birth to chase love and Em shares some hilarious stories from the world of dating in your 40s.  We had the best time in the studio with Em. She's honest, hilarious, and has such a gift for making people feel less alone. We hope you love this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected]   Show dates and info for Em’s show Addicted To Love here - https://emrusciano.com/addicted-to-love/ Follow Em on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/emrusciano/ Follow Emsolation Podcast on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/emsolation/ Watch Emsolation Podcast on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@emsolationpodcast Follow Em on TikTok here - https://www.tiktok.com/@emrusciano Follow Em on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/EmRuscianoOfficial/ Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di chat about love, lust, dating disasters, red flags and the secrets to making romance actually work, with the one and only Dr. Lurve. She's a psychologist and relationship expert who has dedicated her career to helping people understand what makes us tick when it comes to love, and she brought so much wisdom (and so many laughs) to the studio. In this episode Dr. Lurve discusses how you don't need to be "fully healed" before you find love. In fact, she says relationships are more like yoga than a finish line, a practice you never fully master. She breaks down the difference between chemistry and intimacy, why love bombing feels so addictive, and how understanding your partner's love language is the map to actually speaking to their heart. We talk all about the world of dating apps, the good, the bad and the ugly, and Dr. Lurve shares a simple tip for getting things off the screen and into real life within 21 days. She also shares why baggage isn't a red flag but a window into character, how to spot the addictive push-pull "crumbing" cycle, and why staying with an avoidant partner can quietly wear you down over time. Dr. Lurve reminds us that if you’re starting over after a breakup or a divorce, you’re actually in a position of power rather than weakness. You've got the data, the wisdom and the freedom to write a new chapter. We talk about dating later in life, the importance of matching values over chemistry, how to have hard conversations without ambushing your partner, and why learning to do conflict well might be the real secret to a relationship's longevity. We had such a great time chatting with Dr. Lurve, it was like having another girlfriend with us in the studio. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected] Follow Dr. Lurve on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/dr.lurve/ Find out more about Dr. Lurve’s work here - https://www.drlurve.com/workwithme Listen to Between The Sheets podcast here - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/between-the-sheets-with-dr-lurve/id1480610277 Find out more about the India trip, access the itinerary and book your place here - https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/78191347-4d64-4c52-acfd-5422d92ec90f Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Nicola and Di are back with Over The Money Fence with Roger Montgomery.   This series aims to help you take control of your finances with clarity and confidence. Roger is the Founder and Chairman of Montgomery Investment Management, has over 30 years’ investing experience and is a highly respected financial commentator featuring on various ABC programs, as well as his popular column in The Australian newspaper. He is also the author of best-selling investment guidebook Value.able.   In this episode, Roger goes through the biggest bombshells from this year’s budget and what the practical implications are for you and your money.  He explains why the changes to the budget don’t actually benefit young Australians, and therefore positioning it in this way is simply untrue.  We talk about the hype around SpaceX being publicly listed, overtaking Amazon in market value, and Roger shares his thoughts on whether the hype is real or if this company has been overvalued.  We also discuss private credit funds and why they can be a good investment option for people that want good returns without the volatility of the share market. As always, we loved having this conversation with Roger in the studio. He always makes us feel more calm and confident about our financial decisions. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.  Tune into past episodes of Over the Money Fence with Roger here - https://omny.fm/shows/over-the-back-fence/playlists/over-the-money-fence  This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or [email protected]  Find out more about Montgomery Investment Management here - https://montinvest.com  Find out more about Montgomery private credit funds here -    https://www.montinvest.com/privatecredit  Read Roger’s Whitepaper on private credit funds here -    https://rogermontgomery.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Whitepaper-_-cutting-through-the-noise-why-australian-private-credit-stands-apart.pdf Learn more about Roger and read his articles here - https://rogermontgomery.com  Buy Roger's book Value.able here - https://rogermontgomery.com/valueable-book/  Follow Roger on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/rogerjmontgomery/  Follow Roger’s YouTube channel here  - https://www.youtube.com/user/rogerjmontgomery Follow Roger on X here - https://x.com/rjmontgomery  Follow Roger on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/montgomeryroger/ Follow Roger on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermontgomery/  Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/  Follow Nicola and Di on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.