ELLIE TALEBIAN

Brighton-based Ellie Talebian is a playful DJ, radio presenter, therapist, and communications director with two decades of experience spanning the music and wellbeing sectors.

On air at 1BTN, Ellie brings Music to Impress My Ex – a show with a title that’s as cheeky as it is intentional. Whether it’s a wink at her ex-husband or a future ex husband and international DJ flame, Ellie curates each set with precision and soul. Expect a blend of hip hop, neo soul, ‘proper disco’, deep house, and party-starting breaks – all selected to stir memories, inspire movement, and maybe even trigger a little romantic reflection. If music is emotional alchemy, Ellie’s behind the decks transmuting love, heartbreak, and swagger into sound.

Professionally, Ellie offers broadcasting, voiceover, and consulting in mental health awareness, crafting an ethical, purpose-driven career that reflects her commitment to people and culture. She has delivered mental health training for creatives across the UK, introducing tools like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) into music spaces where wellbeing is too often overlooked. A pioneering voice for mental health in the arts, Ellie was among the first to call out systemic gaps in support within the industry, facing resistance early on but pushing forward with courage and clarity. Her mission: to make the music world safer, more open, and more sustainable for those who live and breathe it.

Ellie’s roots run deep, from working the door and bar in clubs, to promoting events, spinning on the airwaves, and advocating for access to music education. She’s a core member of the She Said So Brighton chapter and collaborates with platforms across the industry to inspire change and actual authenticity not the Instagram version.

With irrepressible energy, sharp wit and a soul-deep love for music, Ellie uses every platform to spark joy, movement, and meaningful conversations – ensuring that wherever the party goes, mental health is always part of the mix.

Radio still has the power to break records, build communities and shape culture, but in a world driven by algorithms, streaming and AI-generated recommendations, what role does human curation play today?

Join moderator Ellie Talebian alongside Booker T, Coco Cole, Emily Dust, Jess Bays and Mickey Jukes for a conversation exploring how music gets discovered, championed and played on radio today.

From playlisting and pluggers to storytelling, community-building and supporting emerging artists, this panel will unpack how presenters and stations choose music, what makes an artist stand out, and why radio continues to matter in an increasingly automated landscape. The discussion will also explore how radio exposure can translate into real-world opportunities for music creators from growing audiences and live bookings to streams, syncs and long-term careers.

Whether you're an artist, DJ, producer, presenter or simply passionate about music discovery, this discussion offers an honest look into the realities of modern broadcasting and where radio goes next.