
MECCA Talks
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 20, 2021 • 50min
MECCA Talks Making It, with Zoë Foster Blake
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…We had so much good to give, we split it into two! In part one of ‘Making It’, Kate and Zara talk career and creativity with beauty’s golden go-getter and founder of Go-To, the one and only Zoë Foster Blake.From balancing book-writing, blogging, beauty and babies to formulating skincare and founding a brand that all members of the family can love, Zoë’s open, honest chat (and coffee confession) is one we can all relate to and learn from.Return next week for part two of ‘Making It’, where Kate and Zara get fiscal with financial advisor and She’s on the Money podcast host, Victoria Devine. Take notes and you’ll be set up to start your own beauty brand in no time.Brands and products mentioned:Go-ToGo-To Face HeroGo-To Transformazing Go-To Much Brighter Skin Bro-ToSodashiDrunk ElephantLe Labo Santal 33 Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 Read more on The MECCA Memo:WATCH: Zoë Foster Blake’s entire beauty routine Zoë Foster Blake’s life advice for real life 5 things Zoë Foster Blake wants you to know about Go-To’s Beauty Election-winning Face Hero Thoughts, advice and inspiration from our female brand founders this International Day of the Girl Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Zoë Foster BlakeProducers: Kerri Gordon, 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). 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.

Oct 6, 2021 • 45min
MECCA Talks Finding Your Beauty Identity, with Mahalia Handley and Tony Baumann
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…Kate and Zara discuss their journey to finding a sense of beauty identity, and how access to digital technologies can lead women and girls to greater equality. More on that here!Then, Tony Baumann, MECCA’s head of artistry and fabulosity, shares how he discovered beauty, and lets us in on his best advice for building confidence through beauty, kindness, and sharp interpersonal skills (6:22).The model activist 'kicking the hornet’s nest', Mahalia Handley then joins Kate and Zara to share her experiences as a curve model of Irish and Maori heritage, and how she champions body and ethnic diversity through modelling, social media, creative direction, and consultancy (19:46).Through M-Power, MECCA aims to help 10,000 girls finish secondary school by the year 2025, and we will achieve this through our work locally in Victoria with The Skyline Education Foundation, nationally with Stars Foundation and internationally with CAMFED. Learn more about MECCA M-Power here. Brands and products mentioned:NARS NARS Sheer Glow FoundationEllis FaasRae MorrisRae Morris The Rae FrameRead more on The MECCA Memo:WATCH: Self not the selfie - in conversation with our MECCALIFE power panelQUIZ: How do you beauty? Our guide to finding your beauty IDHow MECCA M-Power helps improve the lives of women and girls7 trailblazing women on the advice they’d give their younger selvesHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Tony Baumann, Mahalia HandleyProducers: Kerri Gordon, 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). 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. https://bit.ly/3mctrAI 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.

Sep 22, 2021 • 1h 12min
MECCA Talks 'Getting Work Done', with Lucy Shaw and Dr Van Park
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…Kate and Zara decode the taboo around ‘getting work done’ to your face – namely injectables like Botox and filler – and the effect social media filters have had on the phenomenon.MECCA skin expert Lucy Shaw is back (10:25) to share her top skincare, device and technique recommendations to emulate the smoothing, sculpting and plumping results of aesthetic treatments without going near a needle.Then, celebrated cosmetic physician Dr Van Park takes us on her journey from makeup artistry to aesthetics (31:13). In this fascinating chat with Kate and Zara, Dr Van Park explains why women (and men!) are increasingly opting for injectable beauty treatments, and her preferred methods for wrinkle-prevention and natural-looking enhancement.Products and brands mentioned in this episode: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme NuFACE Trinity Device Dr. Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware ProAngela Caglia La Vie En Rose Face Roller Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate + Goldfaden MD Liquid Face Lift FOREO BEAR BeautyBio GloPRO® Facial Microneedling Regeneration Tool Read more on The MECCA Memo:MECCA Presents: facial aesthetics with Dr Van Park, exclusive to MECCA’s first flagship A demystifying guide to our 6 favourite skincare devices The spa can wait: the DIY alternatives for your favourite skin treatments We try the latest TikTok trend for getting plumped up lips – minus the downtime Dr Van Park's highly sought-after injectable treatments are administered with industry-leading professionalism and are personalised to suit each individual's facial structure for a perfectly balanced, refreshed look. Find Dr Van Park at MECCA’s George Street flagship on level one, and book an appointment with her at MECCA here. Appointments are available one Wednesday a month. Please look for bookings on October 13, November 17, or December 15. Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Lucy Shaw, Dr Van ParkProducers: Kerri Gordon, 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.

Sep 8, 2021 • 51min
MECCA Talks Hair, with Sam McKnight
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…We go remote, and Kate and Zara talk about the power of hair. Zara dabbles with the idea of a lockdown fringe-trim, and Kate gives us a brief history lesson on hair styling. Then, hair legend Sam McKnight jumps on the line from his home in London. The stories he shares with us – from the early beginnings of the ‘90s supermodel era to his time travelling with Diana, Princess of Wales – are incredibly special. This is an interview you won’t want to miss.Products and brands mentioned in this episode: Gisou Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray (arriving September 28)Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair MaskSachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Conditioner Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray Hair by Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray Mist Hair by Sam McKnight Easy-Up Do Texture Spray Read more on The MECCA Memo:Sam McKnight’s new styling products are all you need for cool-girl hair The 6 hair products you need to try according to the MECCA Beauty Election How to get longer, stronger and shinier hair in 3 stepsWatch: How to turn up the volume on your hair Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuest: Sam McKnightProducers: Kerri Gordon, 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.

Aug 25, 2021 • 1h 9min
MECCA Talks Trends, with Jenna Lyons and Jen Horsley
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…Kate and Zara talk makeup trends of the past – and the future – with MECCA education manager for makeup, Jen Horsley. Be warned, you’ll want to add Jen’s product picks to your cart.The mic is then handed over to MECCA founder Jo Horgan, to jump on a call with friend and LoveSeen founder, Jenna Lyons. Direct from her Pinterest-famous NYC apartment, “the woman who dresses America” talks Met Gala moments, her time at J.Crew, and how she landed in lashes. Budding fashion and beauty entrepreneurs, this one’s for you. Products mentioned in this episode: MECCA MAX Off Duty Glass StickLoveSeen Troi BlackBy Terry Ombre Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow in ‘Bronze Moon’Kosas Weightless Lip Colour in ‘Rosewater’NARS Lipstick in ‘Gipsy’NARS Lipstick in ‘Dolce Vita’Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable LipstickShiseido Kajal InkArtist Shadow, Liner, Brow in ‘Azuki Red’Bumble and bumble Dry Spun Texture SprayLoveSeen CateLoveSeen The Lash ToolRead more on The MECCA Memo...MECCA Meets… Jenna Lyons from LoveSeenActivate your base: foundations that look flawless and are good for your skinFull, feathered or fluffy: how to do these three brow styles to update your lookThe best ‘no-makeup’ makeup at MECCA right now Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Jen Horsley, Jenna LyonsProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale About LoveSeenProud champions of individuality, celebrated fashion designer and creative director Jenna Lyons joined forces with long time collaborater and makeup artist, Troi Ollivierre, to develop a lash brand that favours the feelings and identity of the wearer over the trending beauty standards. Designed on the real-life lash lines of 21 people of different ages, ethnicities, eye shapes and beauty aspirations, LoveSeen lashes are crafted to imbue the wearer with confidence. They're lashes that let you look like you. Shop the brand here.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, let us know in a review, 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.

Aug 11, 2021 • 48min
MECCA Talks Fragrance, with Laura Curtis and Analiese Gregory
MECCA education manager for fragrance, Laura Curtis, answers commonly asked fragrance questions. Chef Analiese Gregory discusses her relationship with memories, recipe development, and scent. The hosts explore the origins of fragrance and share tips for application. They also highlight fragrances for different seasons and the connection between fragrances and recipes.

Jul 28, 2021 • 28min
MECCA Talks Winter Skin, with Lucy Shaw and Anthia Koullouros
Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…Zara is taking us back in time for a history lesson on the origins of moisturiser (and we learn that women in Ancient Rome sought after a ‘super-ingredient’ of crocodile excrement).MECCA education manager for skincare Lucy Shaw gives us her top tips for keeping your skin glowing and hydrated (not dull and dry!) in the treachery of winter. And, acclaimed naturopath Anthia Koullouros (BHSC ND DBM DH MATMS) explains what happens to our wellbeing in winter, and what we can do to protect our immunity, energy levels, and skin. Turns out, hibernation is a thing. Products mentioned:Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping MaskKiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with AvocadoEstée Lauder Advanced Night RepairTatcha Dewy Skin CreamChantecaille Vital EssenceCosmetics 27 Baume 27sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil More on winter skin…The winter skin survival guide: a solution for every complexion concernWhat does stronger skin mean, anyway? And why does it matter?Should you be updating your cleanser for winter? (Yes—here’s why) With diplomas in botanical medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, and a degree in health science, Anthia Koullouros is a qualified practitioner with 25 years of clinical experience, and one of the pre-eminent naturopathic experts in Australia. For assistance with stress relief, sleep health, skin conditions, digestion, and hormonal imbalance, book a consult with Anthia at our Sydney flagship service suites here, or virtually, here.Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Lucy Shaw, Anthia KoullourosProducers: Kerri Gordon, 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, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 21, 2021 • 39min
MECCA Talks MECCA, with founder Jo Horgan
Welcome to the first ever episode of MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.In today’s episode…We meet our hosts, MECCA chief marketing officer, Kate Blythe, and head of content, Zara Wong.Then, we go back to our very beginnings in an exclusive conversation with MECCA founder and co-CEO, Jo Horgan. From misplacing the takings on the first day of opening on Toorak Road in 1997 to 100+ stores filled with the best brands, education and experiences beauty has to offer, this is a chat full of wisdom for beauty obsessives and entrepreneurs-to-be alike.We wrap it all up with a (not-so) quickfire Q&A from the MECCA community.Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuest: Jo HorganProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale Through M-Power, MECCA aims to help 10,000 girls finish secondary school by the year 2025, and we will achieve this through our work locally in Victoria with The Skyline Education Foundation, nationally with Stars Foundation and internationally with CAMFED. To learn more about MECCA M-Power, head here: https://www.mecca.com.au/mecca-m-power.htmlLoved 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, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MECCAchitchat/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 19, 2021 • 36sec
Trailer: MECCA Talks
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, and head of content, Zara Wong—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.