Big Little Small Talk

Alyce Nelligan (Speedy) is a disability advocate, a political activist, a social media influencer and a model. If that's not enough she's the mother to 3 young children and a farmers daughter. Hear Alyce's remarkable story, told with grit, determination and humour.

After 25 years at Toowoomba's iconic Empire Theatre, General Manager Kerry Saul has downed tools. He's seen many changes, many shows, many performers and has an incredible story to tell. Listen as Kerry tells the story of the original "Empire Pictures" to a building that brought down a sitting Council.

Annette Rose is the CEO of a self-funded, public benevolent organisation Acts Care Group. Paul Wilson is the project development manager. Together they feed around 2500 people, provide accommodation and support services to many. Outside work, their lives are full and diverse; diamond grading, disAbility Awards and Dolly Parton. Listen to find out who does what.

Ursula, Gail and Glynn from the Pittsworth Women's Shed share what they give a "F over Fifty" about. In the third of Megan's series "Give a F Over Fifty" which is part Wordfest programming, the women discuss their views on fun, fitness, family, finance and food.

Shane Sullivan is the CEO of the reformed mighty Western Clydesdales rugby league team. Toowoomba and the South West has a rich history as a breeding ground of rugby league greats. Listen to how Shane plans to bring back the glory days of winning teams here on the Downs.

Tyrone Phillips is a fire twirler. He is a self taught performer who started his journey when his mother brought home a set of juggling sticks. Then he set them on fire! Recorded June 2022

Louise Noble is the founder of The Mulberry Project. The Mulberry Project turns under-utilised land onto market gardens, healing through growing produce, providing sustenance and income to new migrants. Recorded May 2022

Today on Big Little Small Talk I delve into the archives to bring you an interview I did last year with Kyle Martin Hollands Managing Director/Owner of GF Oats Australia a locally owned business based in Highfields supplying oats that are uncontaminated from the gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. We’ll hear about her journey growing GF Oats into the thriving business it is today. Recorded 20 F...

Coming up this week on Big Little Small Talk, we delve into the archives and meet John Biggar who is a part of the Spyder Muster held every year in Crows Nest. Megan was invited to be a judge for the 2022 Show 'N' Shine. Find out what a Spyder is and more on the Big Little Small Talk Podcast.  This interview was recorded in February 2022 and contains archived content with some of the infor...

Kevin Howarth aka Krazy Kev is many things. He's an internationally renowned DJ and entertainer. Most importantly, he's Toowoomba Region's Town Crier, with the loudest cry in Australia. Megan has a thoroughly entertaining interview on today's Big Little Small Talk.

Sexual abuse lawyer Adair Donaldson talks about consent, coercive control, domestic violence and the law. He has spoken to groups of professional footballers, athletes and school students. Hear Adair's insightful interview on Big Little Small Talk today. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence. Help and support is available by contacting the following ser...

Tuesday 11 April 2023 is World Parkinson's Disease Day. Twelve months after Megan's first catch up with the local support group, she goes back to see how everyone is travelling. Three different scenarios, three different stories, all living with Parkinson's Disease.

Breanna Humes is a superhero, and she wrote and published a book to prove it. She is from the Noongar, Gunditjmara, Wiraderjiri and Jawoyn peoples. Bre and her siblings were raised by her grand parents, who seemed to have had a profound influence on her. Hear Bre's fascinating life story so far.

Here is an understatement: "Tony Kyprios has lead an interesting life." He has gone from being a second generation Greek immigrant who grew up above a Toowoomba CBD cafe, to being a sole farmer at 15 years of age, to night-fill at Coles, to professional hypnotist! Today's guest on Big Little Small Talk will keep you enthralled with stories.

Megan's "Give a F over Fifty" series continues this week in conjunction with WordFest Toowoomba. To balance the gender ledger, this week we hear from the men from Pittsworth & District Men's Shed. Find out about their views on Fun, Fitness, Food, Friendship and Family. Oh....and they're floating a raft down the Murray River to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer.

Megan visited Toowoomba Women's Shed recently and three members told her their stories.  This is the first in a new series that Megan is doing in conjunction with Word Fest Toowoomba. It's called "Give a F over Fifty". Megan explores the concepts of fun, friendship, finances, food and fitness for people over 50.

Bianca Daniel is at the top of her game. She's a powerlifter and she holds a world record! Megan makes the observation at the end of this interview that Bianca holds similar qualities to another, much loved, Aussie athlete, Ash Barty. Both hold qualities of humility, determination and love of family. Get to know Bianca through this insightful interview.

Sometimes...when you can't get your mental health sorted...everyday feels like you're climbing a mountain. Today, Megan talks to a small selection of a random bunch of Toowoomba locals who have decide to climb to Everest Base Camp. They are raising money and awareness for Toowoomba's Momentum Mental Health.  To donate visit the Momentum Mental Health Website - https://everest-base-camp-challe...

David Iliffe's voice is probably more recognisable than his face. He is the long standing breakfast broadcaster on the local ABC. David comes from a family steeped in radio and television history. Hear how his parents were the vanguard of Brisbane Children's Television and how his mother won a Logie.

Hugh Krenske is a true environmentalist. He and his wife Kay have “rewilded” their suburban house block to become a dry rainforest. But what keeps them busy is volunteering; weeding Toowoomba’s Escarpment Parks. Hugh’s story is compelling, a man ahead of his time.

Brendon Quirey's career has been varied. From projectionist to publican, from steel to student. Currently Brendon and his partner Fiona are the hardworking owners of the Get Chopped brand that marries muscle cars, venues and community spirit. Find out how they do it.

Ian Whan lives in the beautiful Felton Valley. In 2008 he was involved in the David and Goliath fight to save this precious piece of country from an open cut coal mine. Find out how Friends of Felton did it and the legacy's left.

Peter Frazer is a bush poet. Peter recites beautifully here today as well explaining what constitutes bush poetry. It turns out, it doesn't have to be solely about living in the country. It can be about shopping trolleys or the belief that Christmas should always be spelt with a "C" and not an "X".

For seven years, Megan did a program called “The Political Panel” on ABC Southern Queensland. Long standing journalist Belinda Sanders hosted the show and Megan’s first “opponent” was ex MP Stuart Copeland. After 23 years at the ABC, Belinda is moving on….after one last Political Panel. Megan, Belinda and Stuart reminisce about the good times.

Imagine having a progressive lung disease that literally, takes your breath away. Imagine being a professional singer and  not being able to breath let alone sing. Hear how April Hitzke received a double lung transplant, how her husband Nathan supported her and at the same time cared for their special needs daughter Chloe.