Everyone Has A Story (Inspiring Life Lessons from Entrepreneurs, Athletes, and Adventurers)

She grew up in Allora on the Darling Downs, worked at a telephone exchange in Ipswich, and together with her late husband had the foresight to open one of Queensland's first 24-hour self-serve service stations on the Bruce Highway at a time when most Australians had never pumped their own fuel. Jocelyn Walker's story is one of hard work, sharp instincts, and very good timing - and that was...

Laura Sinay has lived several lives inside one. Born in New York to Argentine parents, raised in Rio, she spent fifteen years as an academic studying how human culture shapes ecosystems across the Amazon basin, before a chance encounter with an algorithm convinced her the game was rigged against women who didn't write in English. She walked away from academia with her curiosity intact and her...

Stuart Bain has been building extraordinary outdoor spaces on the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years, and if you've ever wondered what separates a truly great landscaping business from the rest, this episode is your answer. From humble beginnings in his mum's garden, to training at Burnley Horticultural College and working at Kew Gardens, Stuart's journey to building Earth Creations Land...

What does it take to brew beer worth crossing town for? Simon Grasby has been answering that question for elevenyears, longer than almost anyone on the Sunshine Coast. As Head Brewer at Copperhead Restaurant Brewery in Cooroy, he's a one-man operation with a simple, uncompromising philosophy: nothing goes on tap that he wouldn't beproud to pour. In this episode, Simon talks craft beer, qua...

For 20 years, the Marble Bar in Sunshine Beach has been the go-to spot for locals chasing good conversation, cold beer, and that rare pub atmosphere where everyone genuinely knows your name. In this episode, Craig Prasser shares how a country kid from Gympie turned a tiny hole-in-the-wall into one of the Coast’s most recognisable community bars. Craig opens up about the realities behind the romanc...

In this episode, we sit down with Ann Donnarumma, whose life has been shaped by resilience, reinvention and an unflinching commitment to personal growth. Ann talks candidly about the pivotal moments that forced her to pause, reassess and rebuild, offering a grounded look at what it takes to navigate major life transitions with both courage and clarity. Her reflections delve into well-being, identi...

Welcome to our latest episode featuring an exclusive conversation with Oscar Holgado, the visionary head chef at The Woodshed , Kin Kin Hotel . Join us as we explore the story behind one of Queensland’s most unique dining experiences, a kitchen rooted in fiery passion, sustainable practices, and authentic hospitality. From Oscar’s nostalgic memories of Spanish family Sundays to his hands-on approa...

What happens when a cheeky idea, a native Australian plant, and a whole lot of determination collide? On this episode of Everyone Has a Story , we dive into the fascinating journey of Dearne Downes, founder of Slab God — the Sunshine Coast-based craft beer and cider brand that’s brewing up a storm and standing out like… well, you know. From a spark of inspiration watching Bush Tucker Man , to trad...

Today, 2025 Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger shares his incredible journey through the changing landscape of the music industry. Discover how social media now drives music discovery, the challenges of transitioning from a cover artist to performing original songs, and the reality of navigating fame in today's digital age. Marshall opens up about the evolving songwriting process in the...

Today, an inspiring story of transformation, resilience, and reimagined hospitality. Kin Kin’s a small town with a big soul, and The Kin Kin Hotel , a historic Queensland pub, is undergoing an extraordinary rebirth.  Our guest, David Ezrine, is no stranger to global ventures. From projects across the United States, Costa Rica, and the UK, to connecting with world-class chefs through the legendary...

Kristine Young is no stranger to success on the local dining scene. As co-owner of the multi-award-winning Bella Venezia in Mooloolaba , she’s helped shape one of the region’s true destination restaurants. Now, alongside her husband and business partner, Todd, Kristine is taking things up a notch with the launch of Fish House, Steak & Grill , a bold new venue blending premium steak, fresh loca...

What do colon hydrotherapy, gut health, and resilience have in common? For Suzy Wilson, founder of Bottoms Up Colonics , they’re the pillars of a wellness movement that’s breaking taboos and changing lives. From her early days as a social worker to building a network of 14 clinics across Australia, Suzy’s journey is anything but conventional. In this conversation, we dive into the myths and scienc...

In this episode, we meet a man whose steady presence and quiet contributions have helped guide Noosa through decades of change. From big-city boardrooms to small-town community boards, Rick Cooper has been part of the region’s evolution in ways many locals might not even realise. His story offers a rare glimpse into what it means to be invested in the place you call home.

This Sunday, as we celebrate all mums everywhere with Mother’s Day, we’re going to shine a light on the extraordinary journey of Leanne Walsh, founder and CEO of Sunshine Butterflies . What began as a simple support group in her garage has blossomed into a thriving community organisation that empowers families and individuals living with disability across the Sunshine Coast. Inspired by her son Cu...

Cyndi O'Meara shares her journey from a childhood free of medication and processed foods to becoming a nutritionist who champions ancestral health. Discover how a philosophy of vitalism—eating local, seasonal foods and embracing natural living—can revolutionise your well-being, challenging mainstream diet trends and profit-driven food narratives. And if you're inspired to learn more, join...

We are going to take a closer look at what’s happening at TheStation across autumn, chatting with Chris Hignett, who runs this incredible venue with his wife Lauren. Chris gives us the inside scoop on what's making The Station the go-to destination for music, food, and community on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy, and discover why The Station is more than just a venue – it's an experience.

Get ready for a captivating chat with Jamie Marshall, the new skipper at the helm of Creative Tours . From dodging lightning strikes at sea to finding love through a CV, Jamie's life story reads like an adventure novel. Born in Holland to boat-loving parents, he grew up speaking Dutch and learning English from Fawlty Towers reruns. Jamie's sailed the seven seas, survived heart-stopping sto...

Discover the intricacies of the build stage with Pat Ryan ofRyan Designer Homes in this third installment of our branded series. Uncover the secrets behind construction schedules, payment claims, and client communication as Pat shares invaluable insights into the custom home-building process. Learn how Ryan Designer Homes navigates unexpected challenges, from material shortages to weather events,...

What does it take to turn a family-owned dairy into a regional powerhouse, beloved for its award-winning products and community-first ethos? In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Tait, CEO of Maleny Dairies , to explore the passion and purpose that fuel their success, from winning three consecutive Sunshine Coast Business Awards to launching a podcast amplifying farmers' voices.  Join us as St...

Welcome to Part Two of our special BRANDED SERIES for The Station.  We’re back with Chris and Lauren Hignett, the dynamic duo behind The Station , and we’ll look at their incredible first year. From pulling in over 17,000 fans in just six months to booking some massive acts for the season ahead, they’re not just changing the game—they’re defining it.  And it’s not just about the big gigs. Chris an...

Building your dream home should be exciting, not stressful. At Ryan Designer Homes , every step of the process is designed to make things straightforward and give you peace of mind. From the initial concept to the finishing touches, Pat Ryan and his team work tirelessly to bring your vision to life. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Pat about the contractual stage of the build. We’ll learn how R...

David's known for his unique insights and relentless dedication, and he takes us on a journey from his early passion for animals—a love that defied his parents’ ambitions for a more "scholastic" path—to his impressive training career, where early mornings and meticulous planning are the norm. David’s unwavering commitment to his horses and his team fuels his success in a notoriously high-stakes, s...

Millie is the digital marketing coordinator at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club . Raised around the racetrack, her connection to the sport runs deep, from her childhood days at Bendigo Jockey Club to her first job at the Darwin Turf Club alongside her father, a senior steward. In this episode, Millie shares how her family history and early exposure to racing forged a lasting bond with the sport. From...

Hailing from Kildare, Ireland, Robbie's heritage is deeply rooted in horse racing, a legacy passed down from his grandfather and father. Recently, Robbie rode Knight's Choice to a stunning victory at the 2024 Melbourne Cup, cementing his place in racing history. But Robbie's talents don't end there. Equally drawn to the glow of the stage lights, he amazed viewers with his singing talent on The Voi...

In this episode, we dive into the heart of The Station in Birtinya, a dynamic community space run by Chris and Lauren Hignett. Drawing inspiration from their experiences in Singapore, Chris and Lauren have created a local hub that offers everything from skateboard ramps to food, drinks, and live events. Their vision is to foster human connection in a world increasingly dominated by screens, and th...