Advertise on podcast: Everyone Has A Story (Inspiring Life Lessons from Entrepreneurs, Athletes, and Adventurers)

Years ago, Ashton Wood and I sat on a park bench by the Noosa River to talk about a small idea that was just gettingoff the ground. This episode picks up where that conversation left off. It started with a police officer who needed phones and two old handsets sitting in Ashton’s drawer. Six years later,DV Safe Phone has handed more than 23,000 free, refurbished mobiles to domestic violence survivors through 687 police stations, safe houses, hospitals and support agencies across Australia. In this follow-up episode, I catch up with Ashton at the charity’s Sunshine Coast headquarters to talk abouttechnology-facilitated abuse, why a safe phone can mean the difference between staying trapped and getting out, and how a former telco career shaped a charity that never sells a donated device. Ashton shares how nearly 1,000 phones arrive every week, why 22 million unused phones sit in Australian drawers, and the push to reach 50,000 DV survivors by 2030.

At Harry's on Buderim, chef-owner Stuart Bell has spent almost eight years proving that a good meal doesn't need bells and whistles - just local produce, classic technique and a menu that knows when to stop. In this episode, Stuart takes us from a childhood in Melbourne's south-east, watching his mum cook Sunday roasts and dreaming of a chef's tall white hat, through the grand kitchens of the Windsor Hotel, a decade at Ten Minutes by Tractor on the Mornington Peninsula, and stints across Ireland, London and France. In 2018, he found the heritage-listed Buderim building and knew straight away it was the one. We talk about the discipline of pulling flavours back once you've learned to layer them on, the real economics of running a restaurant that people assume is glamorous, and why staff costs are the hardest thing to keep in check. Stuart also opens up on the creative streak running through his family, and on what it takes to keep a kitchen - and a hospitality life going strong.

Fifteen years ago, naturopath and acupuncturist Thomas Staudacher was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia, a diagnosis that upended a career built on natural medicine. On this episode of Everyone Has a Story, Thomas shares how that health scare led him to develop ENTLE and the acoustic dry floating bed, a sound and vibration therapy he patented across America and Europe and now uses to help clients with everything from chronic inflammation to autoimmune disease. We talk through the science behind the bed, how it differs from float tanks, the biological age and inflammation-tracking technology he uses to measure results, and why Thomas believes the body already knows how to heal itself if we just learn to listen. It's a candid conversation about mortality, resilience and reimagining wellness from the ground up.

He opened his first office a kilometre off Hastings Street when a rival told him he wouldn't last the year. Forty years on, Tom Offermann runs one of the most recognised real estate names on the Coast, and on this episode of Everyone Has a Story, he explains why he still doesn't read the instructions - not for the business, and not for the flat-pack furniture either.  From competing off the same buyer lists as a dozen other Noosa agents back in 1986, to auctioning some of the priciest addresses in the country today, Tom talks candidly about instinct over strategy, why he keeps his private life out of the brand, and what's really driving Noosa's rise as one of Australia's most exclusive property markets.

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 just the first chapter. In this episode of Everyone Has a Story, Jocelyn talks about what it takes to build a business, her decades of philanthropic work with the University of the Sunshine Coast and LifeFlight, and why - long after she had every reason to slow down - she still has a diary that most people half her age couldn't keep up with. If you've ever wondered what purpose, legacy, and a life well-lived look like, this is the episode for you.

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 questions multiplying.Then her brother was murdered. And fourteen months later, a lump she'd been monitoring quietly for years became a four-centimetre emergency. What followed was cancer, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a body that kept breaking long after the treatment was supposed to have ended. The book that came out of all of it, The Body Remembers, is unlike anything you've seen in a doctor's waiting room.Short sentences. White space. Childlike drawings that are, it turns out, a deliberate act of neuroscience. And at the centre of it, a concept so simple it's almost embarrassing that nobody thought of it sooner: what if, instead of thinking of the body as a machine, you understood it as a village? Today on Everyone Has A Story, Laura explains what happened when her own village went to war with itself, why five immunologists got it wrong, and what the medical system still doesn't tell you when cancer treatment ends, and they wish you good luck.

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 Landscapes is one built on craft, obsession with quality, and a relentless standard that flows from the boss all the way down the line. In this conversation, we dig into the business philosophy behind one of the Coast's most respected landscape designand construction companies, covering everything from why Stuart deliberately keeps his team working in a tight geographic triangle, to the health scare that forced a hard rethink of work-life balance, to what it really means to build abrand that wins purely on reputation and referrals. If you're interested in landscape design, outdoor living, garden renovation, or simply what it takes to run a trade business with genuine integrity, you won't want to miss this one.

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, quality ingredients, and why he sources his malt from a family-run operation in Canterbury, New Zealand. But this conversation goes deeper than hops and grain. Simon makes a compelling case that the modern brewery tastingroom is filling a role we didn't know we'd lost: community, connection, a reason to sit down together. As the craft beer wave crests and recedes, Simon explains why the breweries left standing won't be the loudest ones, but the ones who kept their standards high and their doors open. The proof, as he puts it, is always in the glass.

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 romance of hospitality, long hours, rising costs, staff challenges, and the grit needed to survive everything from the GFC to COVID. From meeting his wife at the bar to watching generations of locals pass through the doors, this is a story about commitment, community, and keeping a neighbourhood institution thriving.

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, identity, and the quiet strength necessary to step into a new chapter when the old one no longer suits. As the conversation unfolds, Ann shares the practical tools and hard-won insights that helped her move forward, insights that resonate with anyone seeking balance, purpose and renewed confidence. Whether you’re drawn to stories of transformation, women’s empowerment, mental and emotional well-being, or the power of self-reflection, this episode shines a light on the universal themes that connect us. It’s an honest, uplifting reminder that reinvention isn’t reserved for the lucky; it’s available to anyone willing to take the first step.

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 approach growing vegetables, rearing pigs, and butchering in-house, this episode delves into the art of simple, honest cooking that celebrates local produce and the joy of sharing meals like a dinner party among friends.  Discover how The Woodshed blends rustic charm and modern culinary craftsmanship in a stunning setting of exposed timber, hand-built windows, and wood-fired ovens. Learn about their ethos of genuine hospitality, communal dining experiences, and thoughtfully curated wine pairings that promise to refresh and delight every guest.  Whether you’re a foodie, sustainability advocate, or someone who loves the stories behind great food and venues, this conversation with Oscar Holgado uncovers the soul of The Woodshed.

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 trademarking “Slab God” & “Dog’s Balls” and navigating the competitive world of brewing and branding, Dearne shares how passion, persistence, and a dash of Aussie humour turned a wild idea into a growing business.  We’ll uncover how Slab God went from seedlings to cider, how its bold branding and authentic storytelling are winning over consumers, and why this is just the beginning for a brand that’s as refreshing as its drinks. Whether you’re a beer lover, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about how a story like this unfolds, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

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 streaming era, the impact of platforms like TikTok, and his passion for live musicianship amidst a sea of digital sounds. Tune in for insights into the future of music, why AI-generated tracks don't make the cut for him, and his plans to write and release original music that resonates with fans worldwide. Whether you're a music lover, aspiring artist, or curious about the latest in the industry, this episode delivers inspiration and real talk from a fresh voice in pop culture.

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 Big Green Egg barbecue, David has spent decades at the intersection of design, gastronomy, and community.  Now, together with his wife Ellie, David has taken on one of his biggest projects yet: transforming The Kin Kin Hotel into a destination for food lovers, locals, and travellers alike. It’s a story about more than just a pub, it’s about place-making, regenerative farming, culinary craftsmanship, and the challenge of winning over a tight-knit community.  In this episode, David shares the journey behind The Kin Kin Hotel, how attention to detail in design and dining creates unforgettable experiences, and why he believes hospitality at its best should feel like being welcomed into someone’s home.

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 local seafood, and Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine. In this episode, Kristine shares the secrets behind Bella Venezia’s longevity, the importance of team culture and consistency, and why calculated risk and courage are essential in the hospitality industry. From Nobu-inspired dishes to global award nominations, this is a conversation about passion, vision, and elevating the dining experience on the Sunshine Coast.