Beyond The Noise

In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we sit down with Josh Gitsham. A lot of people around Bendigo know Josh through footy. Eaglehawk, North Bendigo, two league best and fairests, big marks, ruck work, and a reputation as one of the best country footballers going around in his time. But this conversation is about more than the game. It’s about the person behind the footballer. In this episode, we...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we talk about why we resist reality. Why do we fight what has already happened? Why do we try to control outcomes, force certainty, hold onto people, replay the past, and argue with life when it doesn’t match the version we had in our head? In this conversation, we talk about: – Why reality always wins – The difference between pain and suffering – Control, unce...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we sit down with Harmony Davies. A lot of people around Bendigo know Harmony through Tyson’s Reef. For more than 12 years, she helped turn the pub into more than just a place for a drink. It became a community, a safe space, and somewhere people felt like they belonged. But this episode isn’t just about the pub. It’s about Harmony. The person behind the bar, be...

In this episode, we unpack one of the sneakiest reasons we stay stuck: Perfectionism. Because perfectionism doesn’t always look like fear. Sometimes it looks like high standards, preparation, discipline and “I’m just trying to do it properly.” But underneath, it can be fear of judgment, failure, looking stupid, or being seen before we feel ready. We explore: – Why perfectionism can disguise itself...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise , we sit down with Stacey Chessum . A lot of people know Stacey through Snap Fitness and the Bendigo gym community. She’s funny, chaotic, full of dad jokes, and someone who brings energy wherever she goes. But behind the humour is a story of resilience, vulnerability, motherhood, fitness, loss, and learning to back herself. In this conversation, we talk about: –...

In this episode, we unpack one of the hidden reasons we stay stuck: The gap between who we say we want to become and the small, boring reps required to actually become that person. Because dreaming, planning, learning and talking can feel like progress, even when nothing has really changed. It’s easy to fall in love with the future version of yourself. The fitter version. The more confident versio...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we sit down with Dallas Pedretti — or as many know him, “Disco.” If you’ve spent any time around Bendigo, you’ve probably crossed paths with him. From the Newmarket days, the late nights, and the chaos… to the man he is now — a dad, a leader, and someone people genuinely rely on. But this conversation goes deeper than the surface. We talk about what it was like...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise , we talk about the 24 hour walk — and more importantly, why we’re doing it. On the surface, it’s a challenge. 24 hours. Around the lake. Keep moving. But underneath that, there’s a much deeper reason behind it all. This conversation goes back to 2016, losing a mate, and the realisation that you never truly know what someone is going through — even the people wh...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we sit down with Matt Sawyer — a name that carries weight around White Hills and local footy circles. If you’ve been around the club, you already know what he’s about. If you haven’t, this conversation will give you a pretty good idea. On the surface, Matty is the big presence. The competitor. The one who always fronted up. But beneath that is a loyal, honest,...

In this episode, we thought we’d mix things up with our first ever Q&A. Just Luke and I, no guest. What starts as some rapid fire questions turns into a much deeper conversation about life, growth, mental health, and the things that actually matter. We chat about everything from routines, food and travel, through to purpose, vulnerability, and what a good life really looks like. We also reflec...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we sit down with Nath Ryan — a bloke who believes in doing hard things. Not for the sake of suffering… but for what it teaches you about yourself, the people around you, and what you’re capable of. Alongside Tim and Wal, Nath took on a challenge most people wouldn’t even consider: flying to Canberra… then walking all the way home to Bendigo. Over 600 kilometres...

In this episode, we unpack something that quietly shapes modern life more than we realise: The feeling that everything is urgent, permanent, and high-stakes. Emails feel loaded. Decisions feel irreversible. Conversations feel heavier than they need to be. Without noticing it, many of us end up living in a constant state of fight-or-flight — treating everyday moments like they’ll decide our entire...

In this episode of Beyond The Noise , we sit down with Donny Walker — a bloke whose name carries weight not because of a title, a career, or an achievement… but because of how he shows up for people. If you’re from Bendigo, you already know Donny. If you’re not, this conversation will make you feel like you do. On the surface, Donny is the larrikin. The storyteller. The bloke who turns a five-minu...

In this episode of Beyond the Noise , we sit down and reflect on the year that was — not in terms of achievements or goals, but how it actually felt. We talk about the changes that happened quietly, the decisions that shaped us, and what we’re taking with us into the next chapter, through the lens of friendship, alignment, and slowing down a little. We dive into: – End-of-year reflection without p...

In this episode, we sit down with Tony 'Bluey' Southcombe — a true Bendigo icon whose life has been shaped by hard work, competitiveness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to people. From playing at Carlton in the 1970s to dominating country footy as a player and coach, and later becoming one of Bendigo’s most recognisable publicans, Bluey’s story is packed with laughs, lessons, and...

In this episode, we’re unpacking a truth most people don’t learn until they hit burnout: when you put yourself first, you become a better version of yourself for everyone else. We talk about why prioritising your needs feels uncomfortable, why saying yes has become automatic for so many of us, and how constantly putting yourself last slowly pulls you away from who you are. From emotional regulatio...

In this episode, we sit down with Alannah McGregor — founder of SPAN Central Victoria, lived-experience speaker, and one of the quiet forces behind suicide prevention in our region. This conversation isn’t about tragedy. It’s about love, legacy, resilience, and the courage to turn unimaginable loss into hope for others. We dive into: – Angela and Stuart: who they were, the joy they brought, and th...

In this episode, we sit down with Bendigo’s newest mayor to uncover the man behind the title: the humour, the service, the leadership, and the sacrifice that most never see. We dive into:– Growing up as “one of the Prince twins” and the roots of his community values– Service over spotlight: why leadership found him, not the other way around– The campaigns — three cracks, plenty of persistence, and...

In this episode, we’re diving into the part of life most people rush past — the in-between moments that quietly make up 99% of our days. We talk about why we cling to the big highs, the milestones, the achievements… and how our best memories often come from the simplest places: coffees, conversations, sunsets, long drives, quiet nights at home. From the peak-end rule and dopamine comedowns to nost...

In this episode, we sit down with Wal Collins — the quiet achiever behind Wal’s Fried Chicken and one of the driving forces of our 600 km walk for mental health. A dad of five, a chef, and a bloke who leads through actions, Wal’s story is about loyalty, growth, and the kind of humility that sticks with you. We dive into: – The early pub days and how Wal’s Fried Chicken became a Bendigo icon – Lear...

In this episode, we sit down with Bendigo’s own Damien “Locky” Lock — a bloke who’s lived a few lives. From pulling on the navy blue for Carlton, to dominating country footy back home, to stepping into the boxing ring and now mentoring others — his story’s full of grit, growth, and a fair bit of fun along the way. We dive into: – Growing up in a hard-working family and what shaped his edge – The j...

From pouring pints at the Shamrock to building one of Bendigo’s most trusted real estate teams, Nekti has played the long game — leading with family values, high standards, and a community-first mindset. We get into the human side of real estate (grief, first homes, new chapters), what it really takes to merge two agencies without losing the culture, and why success shifts across seasons of life....

It’s Mental Health Month, so we slowed down for a real conversation about how we actually cope and connect day to day. Our guest is Sean Spence , Director of Fundraising at the Bendigo Health Foundation — a former professional rugby league player whose career ended after multiple concussions, and who rebuilt his identity around purpose, service, and community. We talk about the tension between fix...

In this episode, we’re diving into the stories we tell ourselves — the ones that whisper “you can’t,” “you’re not ready,” or “you’re not enough.” We talk about how those stories sneak into our heads, why they feel so real, and how to flip them into something that actually moves us forward. From growth mindset and imposter syndrome to the simple act of keeping one small promise, this one’s about ta...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark & Emma — the duo behind the gyms Tim works at — for our very first interview. It’s the real story behind the shiny surface: leaving safe careers, backing themselves when it didn’t make sense on paper, and building a culture that actually cares. We talk sliding-door moments (including the deal that fell through and opened a better door), the three-day wait...