If you're a regular Open House listener, you'll be familiar with our team of brilliant experts - those reviewers, critics and correspondents who drop in regularly to chat about TV, film, books, music, sport, new media and human nature.

In keeping with the "housey" theme of the show, we've dubbed them our "Housemates". Read on to find out a bit more about your favourite "housies", and what makes them tick.

 

MARK HADLEY - THE OPEN HOUSE TV GUY

  About Mark: Mark Hadley has been writing for Australia's commercial TV networks for over twenty years. He is an award-winning documentary maker and he regularly travels overseas in the pursuit of compelling stories. He also writes reviews for eight Christian publications and watches more television programs than could possibly be healthy for a human. On Open House, you'll hear him critique the very best and worst of TV, and give insightful reflections on what we can learn about life, from what's on the box. Mark's been with us since our very first year, 2006, which makes him our most veteran Housemate.

Why Mark is part of Open House: "I'm convinced that thoughtful productions and intentional viewing can deepen our faith, and develop our relationship with an unbelieving world... Through my reviews I can encourage listeners to engage with TV in a meaningful, positive way."

Things Mark loves besides TV: When he's away from the box, Mark devotes himself to long and involved conversations with his wife Maia (also a producer) and their three sons (who will most certainly end up in one of their productions).

 

BEN MCEACHEN - THE OPEN HOUSE FILM CRITIC 

About Ben: A film fan since Marty McFly was a lad, Ben has been writing about movies since the early 2000s. He was the film editor at Adelaide's "The Advertiser" newspaper for four years before arriving in Sydney in 2007 to work at Empire magazine where he is now acting editor. Ben reviews films for News Ltd's Sunday papers in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, plus Eternity newspaper, and Insights magazine, and hosts movie nights at his church in Annandale, NSW. He's been with Open House since 2009, and rates the Toy Story trilogy a little higher than The Godfather. (Find out why in the podcast!)

Why Ben is part of Open House: "I love reflecting on films from a Christian perspective, and helping listeners decide which films to spend their time on. God has blessed us with discernment, which is vital when engaging with movies. We should consider all aspects of what we watch, and how it sits with our beliefs."

Things Ben loves besides movies: Church. Spending time with friends and family. Leading a Bible study group. Eating out.

 

KARA MARTIN - THE OPEN HOUSE BOOK REVIEWER

About Kara: Kara is a working Mum with two kids, whose work focuses on writing and lecturing.  She's worked in the corporate world, and in the media as a print, radio and TV journalist. Most importantly to Open House listeners, Kara is in a book group and LOVES reading. She'll churn through about 200 books in any given year. Name a book, and she's probably read it. Kara alternates her Open House reviews between fiction and non-fiction, applying her brilliant Christian mind to her literary musings and keeping a sharp eye on what's popular and influential. Kara also writes book reviews for Anglican Media.

Why Kara is part of Open House: "I love this opportunity to engage with writing and ideas, and look for the common themes of Gospel truth that run through all stories."

Things Kara loves besides books: Walking, travel, watching movies, browsing book shops and sipping coffee, usually in the company of friends and family.

 

DAVID ANDREW - THE OPEN HOUSE MUSIC GURU

About David: A session musician, songwriter, producer and music teacher, David is one of those guys who could pick up pretty much any instrument and make it sound good. He's particularly brilliant at keyboards, guitar, drums and vocals, and during his Open House reviews you'll occasionally get to hear him strum a few sweet chords on his Gibson J-45. David lectures at Hillsong College in songwriting and music analysis. And when he's not doing that, he's probably out somewhere training a church worship team, making a movie, or at a gig with the David Andrew Trio (Look them up... They're awesome!)

Why David is part of Open House: "I love to share the things that I love listening to. I'm passionate about new music, new melodies and rhythms. So being able to communicate that excitement through music reviews is a great opportunity."

Things David loves besides music: "I love to go on road trips with my family; just hanging with my family in general. Also I love collecting books. I may or may not read all of the book, but for me, there's so much joy to be found in the acquiring/acquisition, not just the completion."

 

JEREMY ROLLESTON - THE OPEN HOUSE SPORTS MAN

About Jeremy: Jeremy, also known as Rollo, is a two-time Olympian who has represented Australia in bobsleigh and rugby. He's a sought after keynote speaker, and by day works in banking and finance. At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Jeremy piloted Australia's two-man bobsleigh to the equal best-ever Australian result. Then in 2010 at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, he was caught in a devastating bobsleigh crash, on the same icy track that had already claimed an athlete's life a week earlier. Jeremy has written about his experiences, and about following your dreams, in his book "A Life That Counts".

Why Jeremy is part of Open House: "Like most Aussies, I love sport. And as a Christian, I believe my faith's got to be connected to my day to day life. So I'm really happy to share my passion for sport on Open House, and talk about sports-related issues from a Christian point of view."

Things Jeremy loves besides sport: Travelling, horseriding, beach volleyball, tennis, in fact anything outdoors and active. Books and movies that tell the life stories of inspiring people. Chocolate. And planning his next adventure: "You always regret the things you don't do, more than the things you do!"

 

STEVE KRYGER - THE OPEN HOUSE NEW MEDIA EXPERT

About Steve: Steve Kryger is fascinated by the internet, social media, and online communication, and the way these things impact our world. He's worked in the fields of digital marketing and social media consulting, and he now serves as the Media and Communications Pastor at his church, Church by the Bridge in Sydney. He is also the 'technology and ministry' blogger for Anglican Media, and runs a website, Communicate Jesus, that's designed to help churches and Christians make the most of our brave new online world. He joined Open House in 2011 as our resident expert on all things new media.

Why Steve is a part of Open House: "New Media is the industrial revolution of our age. In just a few short years, the internet has made its mark on every aspect of human life. I would love listeners to be more aware of both the risks, and the opportunities, that New Media presents to us - for our lives, our work, and for some, even our ministry."

Things Steve loves besides New Media: Steve is married to the delightful Rachael, enjoys stirring the pot with the occasional non-technical article (such as 'What do you think happens when we die?'), and loves eating Japanese food and discovering new cafes.

 

LYN WORSLEY - "THE HUMAN CONDITION"

About Lyn: Lyn Worsley features in our weekly segment, 'The Human Condition', exploring the issues, characters and quirks that make us human. She's a psychologist, a registered nurse, and a child, adolescent and family therapist, known for her focus on what makes people strong in the midst of adversity. She's also director of Alpha Counselling Services' "The Change Room" in Sydney, and author of 'The Resilience Doughnut' - a model for building resilience in children and young people, that's used by practitioners around Australia, Canada, Japan, Greece, New Zealand and Singapore. No wonder we think she's brilliant.

Why Lyn is a part of Open House: "Being part of Open House allows me to link my love of psychology with my love of God, and to talk openly about it."

Things Lyn loves besides psychology: Surfing, riding a motor bike, swimming and entertaining with friends. Generally having fun and planning adventures.