Podvan Podcast with Rabbit

What do hippos, bilbies, and birdwatching have in common? Dubbo, of course! In Episode 140, I chat with SOMAD's Tim Hosking, Leonie from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and Marie from France for a fun and fascinating look at Dubbo’s unique wildlife, conservation efforts, and vibrant community. We cover: • 🦛 The Magic of Taronga Western Plains Zoo – From hippo encounters to predator-proof bilby sanctu...

Oh man. This is a POWERFUL episode! I'm actually really struggling to put into words what Molly takes us through here. I think it's my favourite one so far. It's a story filled with resilience, positivity, and hope. 🌈💪 In this one, Molly Croft takes us through her incredible journey from battling bone cancer as a child to co-founding a charity that’s raised over a million dollars for sarcoma res...

In this episode, I sit down with Matt to explore his journey of passion and purpose, from restoring his wife’s grandfather’s Chevy truck into a six-figure masterpiece to creating spaces for men to connect and support each other. 🚗💬 We cover: • 🛻 The Story of the Chevy – A touching family project that turned into a show-stopping retro rebuild. • 🤝 Shed Happens – How Matt’s initiative is transfo...

These stories will blow your mind!! In Ep137 , I sit down with music educator and professional clarinetist Cathy Crossing for an episode filled with wild stories and inspiring lessons. 🎶🌍 We cover: • 🌏 Teaching Across the Globe – From China to Mexico to Kazakhstan, Cathy shares her experiences teaching in diverse cultures. • 🎶 Professional Clarinetist Life – Playing for royalty and travelling...

What’s the secret to building a successful business and a balanced life? In Ep136 , I’m joined by my business coach Marcus Kroek for an insightful chat recorded roadside on my way to Dubbo. 🚗 We chat about: • 🧠 Above the Line Thinking – How taking ownership and responsibility transforms both business and life. • 💰 Financial Foundations – Practical tips on managing money, pricing, and building a...

Need something fun to keep the family entertained on a road trip? This episode is for you! In Ep135 , Julie Goodwin and I have crafted the perfect episode for families to listen to together in the car. It’s packed with laughs, games, and silly stories designed to make your next road trip a whole lot more fun. 🚗🎙️ We cover: • 🧐 Guess the Animal – A hilarious game of “What Animal Am I?” that’s per...

THE START OF THIS EPISODE MAY GROSS YOU OUT!! In Ep134 , my kids Jordan and Tiana join me for a hilarious and heartwarming episode full of random topics, laughs, and stories we’ll probably regret sharing. 😂 We dive into: • 🤣 Crackalicious Moments – From cracking knuckles to cracking jokes, we’re starting this one with sound effects! • 🎓 Memory Lane Fun – Testing their knowledge of my childhood,...

What’s it really like to love someone halfway across the world? In Ep133 , I chat with two couples who are making long-distance relationships work—and having some wild adventures along the way. 🌍💛 We cover: • 🌊 From Kayaks to Motorbikes: Damiano and Petra share how their love story started on the water and took them across countries by road. • 💛 Kenya to Australia: Damo and his fiancée have bu...

Ever needed a code word to escape a bad meeting? In Ep132 , Julie Goodwin’s back in the Podvan for a hilarious chat about awkward encounters, safe words, and unexpected New Year’s Eve adventures. 🦋🎉 We cover: • 🍌 Code Words and Escapes: Julie shares the bizarre origins of her safe word “banana” and why it didn’t always work. • 🔥 Hiking Misadventures: Rabbit’s uphill trek to see fireworks leads...

How far would you go for your mental health? In this episode, I chat with Garth and Max , a veteran and his assistance dog, who are walking 15,000 kilometres around Australia to raise funds for mental health and children’s charities. 🚶‍♂️🐾 We cover: • 🏕️ Life on the Road – From pulling a 200kg trailer to unexpected challenges, Garth shares what it’s like living on foot. • 🐶 Meet Max – Garth’s l...

What’s your word for the year? In this New Year’s Day episode, Julie Goodwin joins me in the Podvan as we chat about resolutions, reflections, and choosing a single word to define your year ahead. 🌟 We cover: • 🧘‍♂️ Why picking a word like “growth” or “balance” can keep you focused and motivated. • 🎤 Unexpected drop-in guests share their 2025 goals—from mindfulness to gymnastic backflips! • 🧠...

What’s it like to face an Alzheimer’s diagnosis at just 50 years old? In this emotional and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Jeanette and Jeremy as they share their story about navigating life after Jeremy’s early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. We cover: •🧠 Spotting the Signs : From misplaced passports to personality changes, how Jeanette first knew something wasn’t right. •💬 Diagnosis and Accep...

How do you start a quarry from scratch when you’ve never even worked in one? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle and Scotty, who left their old jobs to launch Brooklyn Quarry , just outside Tamworth. From figuring out how to get started to handling massive equipment from Ireland, their story is full of grit, laughs, and gutsy decisions. We cover: •🚛 Quarry 101 : From first digs to massive r...

What happens when Santa drops into the Podvan? Absolute mayhem, laughter, and a sleigh-full of festive cheer! 🎅 In this special Christmas episode, we invite the kids from Cottage Kids Community Preschool into the van to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and ask the big questions—like what happens to all that reindeer poo? 🎄 We cover: •🎅 Santa’s Secrets : The truth about reindeer ma...

🎙️ What do you get when you mix raw talent, a love for storytelling, and a touch of country charm? You get Max Jackson—a country music star who’s blazing her trail in the industry! In this episode, I chat with Max about: • 🌟 Her rise to stardom: From winning the Toyota Star Maker to becoming an ambassador for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. • 🎵 The art of songwriting: How her childhood in c...

How did Tamworth become the Country Music Capital of Australia? In this episode, I chat with Barry Harley and Lawrie Minson , two legends with decades of stories from the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival. We cover: •🎸 The Origins of Tamworth’s Golden Guitars : How it all started in a small town with big dreams. •🏕️ Tent Mishaps and Festival Fun : From thunderstorms to massive circus tents,...

***HEAVY LANGUAGE WARNING!!*** Not safe for kiddos! 😳 What rhymes with frog? Julie Goodwin is back in the van, and we dive into the ultimate debate over rhymes, random words, and ridiculous stories. It’s the silliest, funniest chat yet, featuring: •🐸 Rhyme Time Debates : Do “frog” and “dot” rhyme? Julie and I dig deep into this (spoiler: it’s chaos). •🚛 CB Radios and Jousting Sticks : Nostalgia...

What’s it like building a floating playground from scratch? In this episode, I chat with Fordy , the creator of Central Coast Aqua Park, to uncover the inspiring and entertaining story behind this local favourite. We cover: •🌊 Turning Plan B Into Success : How a misstep in Airlie Beach led to ten incredible years on the Central Coast. •🚧 Behind the Scenes : The surprising logistics of setting up...

What’s it like to hit the road in a 1985 Corolla for a cause? In this episode, I chat with Tanya and Paul , a couple gearing up for the iconic Shitbox Rally. From fundraising to costume themes, we explore: •🚗 What is the Shitbox Rally? : A 7-day, 3,500km charity road trip raising money for Cancer Council. •🛠️ The Car & Challenges : A 1985 Toyota Corolla, no air-con, and dirt roads galore. •🎭 The...

How can cooking change lives? In this powerful episode, Julie Goodwin shares her latest project—a cooking program at a juvenile detention centre. Drawing on her experiences as a youth worker, legendary cook, and advocate, Julie’s initiative is about more than just food. We explore: •🍳 Cooking Behind Razor Wire : The challenges of running a program in a maximum-security juvenile centre. •👫 Buildi...

What do antique shops, PowerPoint presentations, and a flint fire challenge have in common? Well, nothing until this episode! In this eclectic episode, I chat with a mix of South Australian guests, each bringing unique and hilarious stories to the Podvan. We cover: •🏡 Historic Ballroom Living : A family shares their journey of turning a 1920s dance hall into their home and business. •📽️ PowerPoin...

Have you heard the one about the 2 French Backpackers that stepped into a Podvan? In this episode, I chat with Malo and Noemie , a French couple navigating life in Australia while working on a pistachio farm. From drop bears to sticky bacon, we explore: •🛻 Free Camping & Rooftop Tents : Their first experience with van life and tackling Australia’s wildlife. •🌱 Pistachio Farming : What it’s like...

This episode contains a shock announcement! Well, Julie was shocked when I actually announced it! •🦗 Cicada Chaos : What happens when your recording location gets taken over by nature. •📖 Julie’s Bumper Story : The hilarious tale behind her Women’s Weekly cover. •🥳 The Fun of Friendship : From bingo cards to Grey Nomad gags, nothing’s off-limits. If you’re here for laughs, nostalgia, and a touc...

From farm animals to TV screens—Cosi’s story is anything but ordinary! Today we look into the incredible story of Cosi , host of the TV show " South Aussie with Cosi" . In this episode, we dive into his journey from pig farmer to TV star and everything in between. We cover: •📺 Building a 14 Season Long TV Show : How South Aussie with Cosi went from an idea to a beloved show. •🐄 Cows for Cambodia...

What’s it really like to live with ADHD? In this episode, I sit down with Heather Irvine Rundle , clinical psychologist from The Read Clinic, to explore ADHD, its connection to anxiety, and how it impacts everyday life. We cover: •🧠 ADHD Basics & Beyond : What it really means, the different types, and how it changes over time. •🤝 ADHD and Anxiety : How the two interact and why they can make ever...