CONNECT26 - Resonance

Lineup

• More details about Lucy Sugerman

  Lucy Sugerman

  Hailing from Canberra, Australia, Lucy Sugerman has a sixth sense for storytelling. Her songwriting feels like cracking open the pages of a diary - intimate, gut-wrenching, and beautifully unfiltered. With a gift for pairing vulnerable lyricism with sticky melodic hooks, Lucy crafts alt-folk-pop that balances softness with bite, and emotional depth with melodic confidence. Since first capturing attention through her collaboration with LANKS and early mentorships with APRA AMCOS, Sugerman has steadily carved out her own lane. She has released multiple independent EPs, earning praise for her genre-blurring sound and fearless self-expression, while continuing to evolve as a writer unafraid of emotional specificity. A captivating live performer, Sugerman has graced the stages of iconic Australian festivals including Groovin’ the Moo, Stonefest, Yours & Owls Festival, and SummerSalt, and has supported acclaimed artists such as Del Water Gap, Gretta Ray, Sons Of The East, Ben Lee, Odette and Thelma Plum. In December 2025, she joined Chance Peña as main support on his sold-out Australian tour, further cementing her reputation as a magnetic and emotionally resonant live act. She has showcased at BIGSOUND and made her international debut at SXSW in Austin, Texas. In 2026, Sugerman enters a defining new chapter. She was recently announced as an APRA AMCOS development awards finalist in the Pop category, recognising the strength and maturity of her evolving catalogue. On February 13, she released her EP old patterns, accompanied by a sold out run of intimate headline shows - a rare opportunity to see Sugerman in the smallest rooms she will likely ever play. Her recent and upcoming releases reveal an artist coming into sharper focus: writing that is more self-assured, sonically adventurous, and emotionally grounded. These songs trace cycles of heartbreak, repetition, and growth - not as tidy conclusions, but as honest reckonings - capturing Lucy at her most compelling and fully realised yet.

• More details about Sean Rodriguez

  Sean Rodriguez

  A Continuing Purpose | Few artists embody the intersection of faith, family, and purpose quite like Sean Rodriguez. A next-generation pastor-turned-singer-songwriter, Sean and his family moved from Colorado to Nashville in 2022 with a singular calling: to create Christ-centered music that ignites hope. “I want this music to encourage as many families as possible,” he says. “And I pray the seeds planted today lead to incredible growth tomorrow.” That vision has connected in remarkable ways. Sean’s late 2024 single “It Is Finished” (feat. Disciple) became a breakthrough hit, spending ten non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the CMW Rock Chart from December 2024 through March 2025, and remaining in the Top 20 for eight consecutive months. His Jesus Will EP helped push his catalog past 9 million streams across major DSPs in 2025, a staggering +450% increase from the previous year. Sean’s ministry heartbeat continues on the road. A featured artist on the 2023 Winter Jam Tour, he brought messages of hope to thousands nationwide. In 2025, he became a major player in the summer touring season, sharing stages with Colton Dixon, We Are Messengers, Seventh Day Slumber, Austin French, Stephen Stanley, and others. From co-billed lineups to standout festival appearances, his energetic yet pastoral presence made him one of the year’s most talked-about rising artists. That momentum opened doors into the wider Christian media landscape. Sean was invited to lead worship at the 2025 NRB International Convention in Dallas—a distinctive honor that earned him an immediate invitation to return in 2026. He also presented at the ICVM Crown Awards and the NRT We Love Christian Music Awards, further establishing him as a trusted voice within the faith community. Sean’s music is shaped deeply by his family and his heritage. His 2024 single “Jesus Will” was written in the wake of unexpected loss, exploring the tension of grief and hope. Another key release, “House of God,” honors his grandfather’s 40+ year ministry and was filmed at his Denver-area church. “I grew up seeing people from every walk of life worship together,” Sean reflects. “That shaped who I am today.” Ultimately, Sean believes every listener has a God-ordained purpose. Echoing Ephesians 3:20, he offers one clear encouragement: “God gave us purpose, so we have to LIVE on purpose.”

• More details about Kelsey Cooke-Guerra

  Kelsey Cooke-Guerra

  Kelsey Cooke-Guerra is an award-winning actor, director, writer, and producer with a passion for storytelling that impacts culture. She has trained at The Groundlings, UCB, iOWest, and Second City LA, and her on-screen credits include Pan Am (ABC), Royal Pains (USA), Bad Teacher (CBS), and the Veronica Mars movie (Warner Bros). Kelsey directed the festival-winning feature Back to Bridgewood (Amazon, Hulu, Tubi) and wrote, produced, and starred in the award-winning comedy Re-Opening (Blaze Media) and was interviewed on The Glenn Beck Program. She is set to direct her next feature film Almost Thirty this next year, and co-star with her husband on the feature film Connection Pending… which they also co-wrote and produced. She co-founded thisishardtoread productions and Nashville’s Oddity Improv, where she helps develop performers and storytellers. Kelsey is passionate about equipping creatives to pursue excellence, live out their faith in the industry, and create work that reaches beyond the church walls.

• More details about Dr Leah Kaldwell

  Dr Leah Kaldwell

  Rev. Dr. Leah Kadwell is President and CEO of Good Shepherd Church of India (USA), bringing nearly 30 years of executive leadership in global ministry, philanthropy, and cross-cultural partnerships. She has helped grow organisational fundraising from US$1 million to US$15 million while leading strategic initiatives supporting holistic community development, church planting, leadership training, and poverty alleviation across India. An ordained Anglican minister, author, and international speaker, Leah holds doctoral and postgraduate qualifications in theology, missions, and marketing. She is passionate about equipping Christian leaders, building sustainable partnerships, and advancing the global Church through strategic vision, generosity, and discipleship.

• More details about Chris Guerra

  Chris Guerra

  Chris Guerra is an actor, producer, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of storytelling, business, and culture. As co-founder of thisishardtoread productions and Oddity Improv, he has built platforms that create both entertainment and opportunity for creatives. Chris has produced and starred in multiple independent projects, working directly with brands, investors, and distribution partners to bring films to life outside the traditional studio system. He is also a social media creator with a combined audience of over 800,000 followers, using digital platforms to expand reach and open new funding pathways for creative work. His focus is helping creatives take ownership of their careers—equipping them with practical tools to fund, produce, and distribute content while maintaining purpose and integrity.

• More details about Greg Sheridan

  Greg Sheridan

  Greg Sheridan, AO, is the foreign editor of The Australian newspaper and Australia’s most influential national security and international affairs analyst. A professional journalist since 1979, he has closely covered national security for more than 40 years. He began his journalistic career at the Bulletin magazine in 1979. Covering the story of Vietnamese refugees while at the Bulletin led to a life long love of Asia and a deep immersion in its politics. In 1984 he joined the Australian and in 1985 was appointed the paper’s first Beijing correspondent. Then in 1986 and 87 he was the paper’s Washington correspondent. After stints as Chief Editorial Writer in Sydney and foreign affairs correspondent in Canberra, in 1992 he returned to Sydney as the paper’s foreign editor, the position he still holds Greg Sheridan has made a specialty of establishing relationships with, and interviewing, heads of government around the world. He has interviewed Prime Ministers and Presidents in Japan, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and Vice Presidents and Secretaries of State and Defence in the United States, and foreign ministers and other cabinet officials throughout Asia, the Middle East and Europe. He has been sent on assignment to every continent except the polar ice caps. Greg Sheridan has written nine books, mostly on foreign affairs, including numerous best sellers. His three most recent books have examined the case for Christianity. All three became national best sellers within weeks of publication and were reprinted many times. His most recent book was published in September, 2025. His journalism has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Sunday Times of London, the English Spectator, the National Interest, the Hindu, the Jakarta Post, the South China Morning Post and many other newspapers. His work has been translated into Mandarin, Hindi, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesian, and Korean, and has been anthologized in numerous collections. He was twice a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Independent Studies at Washington DC, and once at the Woodrow Wilson Institute, also in Washington, and in 2019 was a Visiting Fellow at Kings College, London. He was for some years a Visiting Fellow at the Land Warfare Studies Centre in Canberra and was a Distinguished Fellow at the Australia India Institute at Melbourne University. He appears regularly on television and radio and is a sought-after conference speaker. In 2015 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia for services to national security journalism and Australia’s bilateral relations. In 2001 he was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and has three sons and four grandchildren.

• More details about Anita Anabel

  Anita Anabel

  Anita Anabel is a multi-hyphenate media professional — entertainment editor, journalist, podcaster, presenter, voice-over artist, and MC — with a career spanning digital media, broadcast, and live events. After working as a wedding planner and family photographer, she pursued a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at 29, turning her passion for entertainment into a thriving media career. Anita has built and grown entertainment brands through expertise in editorial strategy, social media, digital producing, and audience growth. She is the founder of independent entertainment brand ANITA and host of The Anita Podcast. Previously, she was Head of Entertainment at Mediaweek, where she grew Chattr and hosted The Entertainment Hotline podcast. She has also held senior editorial roles at POPSUGAR Australia, Val Morgan Digital, Now to Love, Yahoo Lifestyle, and KIIS FM. Known for her warmth and energy, Anita is also a sought-after wedding and event MC.

• More details about Bruce Downes

  Bruce Downes

  Bruce Downes is known around the world as The Catholic Guy, host of a weekly television program seen by tens of thousands across TV, radio, live conferences, and online platforms. As founder of The Catholic Guy Ministry, Bruce has spent over 40 years helping Catholics and Christians worldwide grow deeper in their relationship with God. With a gift for making ancient truths fresh and accessible, Bruce teaches with a particular focus on applying faith to everyday life. His heart is to reach people with the message of Christ to the ends of the earth, raising up “IMPACTERS" men and women who have been touched by Christ and go out to touch others. Alongside his wife Rosemary and a dedicated team, Bruce's ministry is connecting and transforming lives across the globe.

• More details about Craig Bruce

  Craig Bruce

  Craig Bruce is a globally recognized expert in radio, podcasting, talent coaching, and media strategy. Starting his on-air career in 1986, Craig hosted #1 rating breakfast and drive shows across Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast before transitioning into programming leadership. As Head of Content for Austereo’s Today Network (2005–2010) and later SCA (2010–2015), Craig oversaw 80 metro and regional stations, launching landmark shows like Kyle and Jackie O and Hamish & Andy — two of Australia’s most successful FM radio programs. In 2016, Craig launched the acclaimed Game Changers Radio podcast, interviewing international radio greats and becoming a must-listen within the industry. Today, Craig consults major radio networks in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, produces top-tier podcasts for Spotify and iHeart, and leads talent development bootcamps for emerging creators.

• More details about Safina Stewart

  Safina Stewart

  Safina Stewart, a proud Wuthathi and Mabuiag Island woman, is Common Grace’s Storyteller and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead. Having grown up across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, she brings a deep cross-cultural perspective to her work. Now based on Bunurong Country with her family, Safina is passionate about culture, education, the arts, justice, and faith.

• More details about Strahan Wallis

  Strahan Wallis

  Strahan is a global communications, marketing and media leader. He has led and served large media, advertising, PR and marketing companies in the US, New Zealand, Australia and beyond. He has been a director and executive chairman of some of the most creative companies in the world including Colenso, Clemenger BBDO and more, leading those companies to win record numbers of creative awards globally. He also led the North American offices of a global PR consultancy and concurrently served as executive vice president in their global reputation management practice serving high profile clients around the world including The Grammys and hundreds of others. He currently serves on a number of commercial, creative, Christian and not for profit boards and serves his own private clients directly through his consultancy Wallis & Co. Strahan has a heart for Christian mission and commercial creative excellence and loves connecting with mission focused organisations and leaders. He’s married to Racheal, and they co-founded Stronger Within, a social enterprise that equips tweens and teens with practical tools to build a strong self-worth, confidence, emotional resilience, and healthy friendships. They have twin teenagers themselves and a tween who thinks he’s a teen!

• More details about Matthew Eggleston

  Matthew Eggleston

  Mathew Eggleston is a creative media leader with over two decades of experience across radio, podcasting, and digital content strategy at some of Australia's most iconic media brands. Having held senior roles at Southern Cross Austereo and ARN including National Operations Manager for the Hit Network, Content Director of 2DayFM, B105 and Executive Producer at KIIS. Mathew has built and led award-winning teams, revitalised major brands, and driven ratings and revenue to heights unseen in over a decade. Today, as Managing Director of ME Entertainment, he specialises in branded media, podcast production, and music programming, helping brands and creators develop content that connects, performs, and lasts.

• More details about Phillip Turpin

  Phillip Turpin

  Phillip Turpin is Chief of Technology at Hope Media Group, where he leads technology strategy and digital product innovation. A veteran technology executive with decades of experience in telecommunications, software engineering, and digital transformation, he previously served as Executive Director of Product Engineering at Ramsey Solutions.