Why the future of radio is in good hands: The inspirational story of Max Munday

Max Munday in his Biz Audio studio. Image supplied.

Max Munday lives and breathes radio.

He is passionate about building his place in the audio industry. He regularly interviews high-profile radio industry figures like Mark Hine, Mike Byrne and Lizzie Young. His Biz Audio podcast was a finalist in the inaugural Australian Audio Awards.

Oh, and did I mention Max is sixteen years old?

Max took his proud dad with him to the awards, where Biz Audio was nominated for Best Interview Podcast – Independent.

Reflecting on the night, Max says to Radio Today: “Where do I even begin? It was a huge honour and something I’ll never forget.”

“When I first started podcasting, I honestly just wanted a platform where I could talk about whatever interested me.”

“I never really imagined where it would lead.”

Max – a student at Sydney’s Trinity Grammar – has long tapped into his creative side. He started making YouTube videos with his sister in 2018.

His passion for audio was inspired by his dad’s best mate, Brisbane radio legend Mark Hine.

“There’s something really special about the audio industry,” Max enthuses. “It allows listeners to use their imagination and create their own pictures.”

“What has always fascinated me about radio is the relationship broadcasters build with listeners. Whether someone is listening during their morning commute, at work, or at home, radio has a unique ability to become part of someone’s daily routine and create a genuine connection.”

A champion swimmer, Max represented New South Wales at Nationals in 2023.

The sport has given him important life skills which extend way beyond the competition itself.

“It’s helped me to build resilience, discipline, fitness and lifelong friendships,” says Max, whose first podcast was called Biz by the Water.

“I started it with a mate, originally focusing on the NSW swimming community, before creating Biz Audio late last year to discuss radio industry news, predictions, and developments.”

“It’s given me the opportunity to connect with people I looked up to, while also developing my own voice and understanding of the industry.”

Max’s impromptu one-on-one interviews at the Australian Audio Awards were one of the highlights of the night.

“Being able to interview so many talented people – including MCs Bianca Dye and Mitch Churi – was an incredible experience.”

“It genuinely felt like I belonged in that environment.”

“Even being around people who understood terms like ‘Cume’ and ‘TSL’ was really special. It was a room full of people who shared the same passion for audio.”

Bianca Dye says spending time in Max’s company has left her optimistic about the future of radio.

“I am so excited that we have people in the industry like Max,” Dye tells Radio Today. “He’s amazing.”

“When I was sixteen, I was getting my fake ID and sneaking into Jupiter’s Casino nightclub. I wasn’t thinking of a radio career! It blew my mind that he is so passionate about radio.”

Dye has heard some of Max’s demos, and was knocked for six.

“He’s already good,” she says. “To think that he is now honing his craft at sixteen – can you imagine how he’s going to sound when he’s 25?”

Dye says Max is also incredibly focused.

“He showed me his vision board, and I’m like ‘Oh my God! I am SO impressed that you have a vision board!’ I didn’t learn about those until I watched an Oprah episode when I was 25!”

Max described his work experience placement at ARN in Sydney last year as one of the most incredible experiences of his life.

Spending time with the Kyle & Jackie O Show team was a particular highlight.

These past few months, he’s been doing work experience with the Super Radio Network, helping with social media and gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of how a radio network operates.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to work closely with Graham Miles and George Caralis, who have both taught me so much about the industry,” Max says.

“As a sixteen-year-old, being in those environments has taught me that radio is so much more than what happens behind the microphone. It’s about teamwork, preparation, content creation, audience connection, and understanding what makes people want to keep listening.”

Max speaks glowingly of the industry mentors who’ve supported him to date.

“Mark Hine has been a huge influence and has provided guidance throughout my journey,” he says.

“I’ve also been fortunate to learn from Duncan Campbell, Derek Bargwanna and Gigi Duong, who organised my work experience with KIIS 106.5 in December last year.”

“Peter Samios from RadioMastery has been another fantastic mentor, helping me understand the importance of delivering a great on-air break.”

“And Gordie Waters has taught me a lot about panel operation and using Zetta software.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their knowledge and support me.”

Max says it’s an exciting time to be entering the audio industry.

“The way people consume content is changing, but the need for great storytelling, personality, and connection remains the same.”

“Long term, I’d love the opportunity become an on-air broadcaster.”

The last word goes to Dye, who says it’s important that the industry takes young people like Max under its wing.

“Max will end up being my boss one day. So please make this (story) really lovely so that he hires me when I want to do Retirement FM!”

Images: ARN, Instagram and supplied.