

MECCA Talks
MECCA
Introducing MECCA Talks, an access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community. Made by Australia’s biggest beauty retailer—and hosted by MECCA’s chief marketing officer, Kate Blythe—this podcast goes beyond what you see in our 100+ stores, on social media, and on The MECCA Memo to swing open the doors to the global beauty industry, and to our network of friends, founders, and collaborators. Expect conversations with brand founders, industry experts, and our own in-house specialists; deep dives into the history of iconic beauty formulations; and advice for life from our most trusted friends. Hit play! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 31, 2024 • 27min
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s ‘vampire’ facial changed the face of Hollywood
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by the legendary Dr. Barbara Sturm, whose eponymous skincare brand supercharged celebrity-status skincare into the mainstream.Recorded in the service suites of Dr. Sturm’s London spa and boutique, this exclusive conversation covers Dr. Sturm’s journey from orthopaedics to skincare, the creation of the famous ‘vampire’ facial and ‘blood’ cream – also known as MC1 Cream – and how word got out around Hollywood about her game- (or shall we say skin-) changing brand. Hit play!Can't make it to Dr. Sturm's London clinic? Experience an exclusive Dr. Barbara Sturm facial at MECCA Aesthetica. For more information, click here.Products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face CreamDr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream RichDr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic SerumDr. Barbara Sturm Glow DropsDr. Barbara Sturm Exoso-Metic Face Serum Dr. Barbara Sturm Deep Hydrating Face MaskHost: Kate BlytheGuest: Dr. Barbara SturmProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!). MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 6, 2023 • 31min
Bethan Laura Wood is bringing kaleidoscopic colour to the NGV Triennial
In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with celebrated multidisciplinary designer and recipient of the 2023 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, Bethan Laura Wood.The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission is a major series inviting internationally renowned female designers and architects to create a significant new work for the NGV Collection. Bethan’s radical approach to materiality, colour and pattern through furniture, objects and installations has garnered a cult following, and presence in galleries and museums across the world, including The Art Institute of Chicago, San Francisco’s MOMA and the Victoria and Albert Museum.Bethan’s piece, Kaleidoscope-O-Rama, was revealed last week as part of the NGV’s Triennial Exhibition, and is on display now until April 2024 at the NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, with free entry. Further information is available via the NGV website.Learn more on MECCA MEMO:WATCH: In The Chair with Bethan Laura WoodMeet the 2023 MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission ArtistHost: Kate BlytheGuest: Bethan Laura WoodProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael LiberaleLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 2023 • 32min
D.S. & DURGA are leading a fragrance revolution
In today’s episode, Kate is in New York visiting the Brooklyn HQ of Kavi and David Moltz, the creative brains (and noses) behind non-traditional fragrance house, D.S. & Durga. David, a musician and self-taught perfumer, alongside Kavi, an architect and designer, work together approaching scent like music or art – breaking the boundaries of the very exclusive, illusive and traditional fragrance industry while they’re at it. Over a cup of fresh-brewed tea (David’s other great passion), they spill the story of how their unexpected fragrances are imagined, why they were onto the viral ‘pistachio’ scent three years before anyone else and how, when it comes to your brand, saying no can be more important than saying yes. Read more on MECCA MEMO:Pistachio is the ‘it’ fragrance note of 2023: here’s whyProducts mentioned in this episode:D.S.& Durga Pistachio EDP D.S.& Durga I Don’t Know What EDPD.S.& Durga Cowboy Grass EDPD.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic EDP D.S. & Durga Debaser EDP D.S & Durga Rockaway Beach EDP D.S. & Durga Durga EDP D.S. & Durga St. VetyverD.S.& Durga Candles D.S. & Durga 85 Diesel CandleD.S. & Durga Radio Bombay EDP Host: Kate BlytheGuests: Kavi and David MoltzProducer: Kerri GordonEditors: Romy Erdos and Michael LiberaleLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 30, 2023 • 43min
Makeup artist Violette on why French beauty is all about irreverence
Violette, a makeup artist and CEO of Violette_FR, discusses her irreverent beauty ethos, her journey as a makeup artist and entrepreneur, and the struggle of choosing between Paris and New York. They also talk about naming their second child and creating a product based on the child's name, working with brands and creative inspiration, and their obsession with blazers, bread, wine, and cheese.

Aug 16, 2023 • 52min
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wants you to know her beauty secrets
Supermodel and beauty obsessive Rosie Huntington-Whiteley joins the podcast to discuss her journey in the fashion and beauty industry, the importance of authenticity and trust in a saturated market, and her excitement for content creation. They also talk about beauty products that enhance the skin, fashion obsessions, and favorite songs.

Aug 9, 2023 • 42min
How Allies of Skin turned founder Nicolas Travis’ life (and skin) around
In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis. With a degree in biomedical and pharmaceutical science, a master’s in international business and a history of severe acne and reconstructive facial surgery, Nicolas created Allies of Skin from a desire to rebuild his own confidence, and to demystify skincare, making it simple, accessible and – above all else – efficacious.Nicolas’ unbelievably smooth, glassy skin is proof enough that the brand delivers on the words printed on each bottle (and the science-backed formulas within them) – however, if you’re searching for more, you’ll discover famous fans in the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, Niall Horan, January Jones and Henry Golding. Having launched in 2016 with just three products, Allies of Skin has reached cult status in record time – hit play to find out why.Content warning: This episode touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know requires support, help is available via Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14.Products mentioned in this episode: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum Allies of Skin Multi Acids & Retinoid Brightening Sleeping FacialAllies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser Allies of Skin CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream Host: Kate Blythe Guest: Nicolas TravisProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!). MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 17, 2023 • 40min
How Christine Chang made Glow Recipe a global skincare phenomenon
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Christine Chang, co-founder and co-CEO of Glow Recipe, the fruit-forward skincare brand that has taken the world – and TikTok – by storm. Over a glass of wine and a sheet mask – with their Korean heritage and successful careers in beauty alike – Christine and her best friend, co-founder Sarah Lee, developed Glow Recipe, a skincare brand that creates gentle yet effective formulas to deliver clinically proven results in a fun, fruity, sensorially delightful way. Their now-iconic Watermelon Glow Dew Drops pioneered the virality of beauty products on TikTok, forever changing the way we share, trial, shop and love beauty. Hit play!Products mentioned:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops™Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops™ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Lip Pop Read more on The Memo: Turning a friendship into a beauty empire with glow recipe’s Christine Chang & Sarah Lee Five in five: multi-masking with glow recipe founders Christine Chang and Sarah Lee I tried glow recipe for the first time – and now I understand the TikTok hype!Host: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 2023 • 47min
Demystifying menopause and how it will change your beauty routine with Dr Fatima Khan
In today’s episode, we’re demystifying menopause with specialist and women’s hormone and mental health advocate, Dr Fatima Khan. The process of menopause has the power to change the way that women look – and more importantly, feel – but for far too long the conversation around these changes and how to embrace them has remained hush. Dr Khan completed her medical training in the UK from Imperial College London in 2007 achieving a Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery. She also achieved a Bachelor in Science in Pharmacology and Therapeutics with publication of her research. In addition, Dr Khan has an Advanced Menopause Certification accredited from the British Menopausal Society and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.In conversation with Kate, Dr Khan brings to light the changes that occur to one’s hair, nails, skin, body and mind during menopause, and shares her top recommendations to support, manage and embrace those changes.For more personalised advice about menopause, perimenopause and mental health, please contact your medical health practitioner. Learn more about Dr Fatima Khan here.It’s time to talk menopause – hit play!Host: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 5, 2023 • 45min
Why Tiffany Masterson created Drunk Elephant (and the bronzing serum that sent TikTok wild)
Tiffany Masterson, founder of Drunk Elephant skincare brand, discusses her journey of creating the brand, including her breakthrough in identifying problematic ingredients. She shares the brand's continuous innovation and improvement approach, the popularity of their bronzing serum, and their efforts to change the perception of bronzer. The episode ends with a discussion on launching a brand and finding a unique market.

Mar 22, 2023 • 37min
Magical healing waters, 460-year-old baths and a blind date: the story of Omorovicza
In today’s episode, Kate chats to Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, heir to and founder of Omorovicza, a luxurious skincare brand driven by the magical healing waters found in Hungary.Stephen and his wife, Margaret, used this mineral-rich thermal water to create The Healing Concentrate™ (formulated by a Nobel prize-winning dermatology lab) to strengthen and heal your skin barrier, giving you a firmer, suppler, younger-looking complexion. It is the key ingredient in each and every one of their bestselling formulas. In addition to Stephen being a thought-leader in the world of skin, the story of his brand, his family – and his meet-cute with his now-wife – is worthy of a fairytale. Hit play to hear it! Products mentioned in this episode: Omorovicza Even Tone Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask Queen of Hungary Mist Ultramoor Mud Mask Soothing Shave Daily Vitamin C Queen Essence Queen Cream Cleansing Foam Host: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


