Neil Breen hosts Brisbane best breakfast program each weekday from 5.30am. He interviews the decision-makers and keeps you updated on breaking news, as well as some fun along the way. This is where you'll find highlights and the podcast.
Listen to 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 2:00pm-6:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From life as an exploration geologist to the "last man standing" in the Mayor’s office, Gavin Dear revealed the unique struggles of governing Queensland's largest shire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carissa Dunlop’s son Kyron has defied the odds for nine years, but now his family faces a new battle as the state’s only children’s hospice remains in limbo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The New Year has delivered a billion-dollar blow to the Australian beef industry as China imposes massive new trade restrictions effective today. Australian Meat Industry Council CEO Tim Ryan joined Carla Bignasca to explain why our premium beef is being "lumped in" with global competitors and what this means for local farmers and your wallet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Struggling to keep that January 1st momentum alive? Psychologist Dr. Marny Lishman joined Carla Bignasca to explain why "habit stacking" and choosing goals that actually excite you are the real secrets to lasting change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 2:00pm-6:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mel Harms, the full-time carer for her 10-year-old grandson Casey, shared the heart breaking moment she discovered through the media that their "safety net" was shutting its doors. She issued a powerful plea for transparency and urgency, explaining why Hummingbird House is a vital sanctuary that no hospital or private insurance can replace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bulloo Shire Mayor John "Tractor" Ferguson revealed why his region is the safest place to raise a family and why he could hire 14 people tomorrow if they walked through the door. From plant operators to office staff, find out what life is like in the third-largest shire in Queensland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Carla Bignasca and 4BC’s own Richard French as they take a victory lap through a historic year for Queensland sport. From the Broncos’ drought-breaking premiership to Gout Gout’s lightning-fast emergence on the world stage, Frenchie counts down the top five moments that defined 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the fireworks prepare to light up the Brisbane skyline, many are planning a life-changing "yes" amidst the celebrations. Professional proposal designer Cara Hodge revealed the secrets behind the perfect setup and why New Year's Eve has become the ultimate peak for high-stakes romance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Government subsidies for new apprentices have plummeted, making it harder than ever for local workshops to hire. Rod Camm explained why the "grease monkey" stereotype is dead and how the new era of high-tech diagnostics is the future for young workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 2:00pm-6:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor John Wharton revealed how Richmond Shire is ditching traditional rate hikes by turning into a commercial farming powerhouse, harvesting 1,000 tonnes of chickpeas to fund local services. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shadow Attorney-General Andrew Wallace argued that the scale of the Bondi attack demands the nation's most powerful form of inquiry. He explained why current reviews fall short of the transparency and "teeth" needed to provide the victims' families with real answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Social media trends are encouraging a dangerous new fad called "sunscreen contouring," undoing decades of health education in the skin cancer capital of the world. Skin expert Dr. Austin Lang joined Carla Bignasca to reveal why this "sickening" craze is so deadly and debunks a common myth about Vitamin D.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bereaved mother Megan Firster detailed the "magical" support Hummingbird House provided during her son Leo’s final days and warned of the devastating impact its extended closure has on families. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As summer temperatures soar, plumber Jaya Terima revealed why he’s calling out homeowners for a "major etiquette fail" regarding their treatment of outdoor workers. Discover why a simple request for a glass of water has divided the internet into a generational battle between Gen Z and Boomers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 2:00pm-6:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Socko the rescue cat is famous for hiking Mount Coot-tha and greeting fans at Bunnings, but he’s hit a surprising roadblock on Brisbane’s iconic river ferries. While dogs enjoy off-peak travel, owner Sara Calle Herrera explained why she’s fighting to bridge the "feline gap" in public transport rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know it is illegal for children under 12 to ride e-scooters, or that teens under 15 require constant adult supervision? Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler broke down the rules parents are accidentally breaking and the safety risks that have already turned fatal this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Drive weekdays from 3pm-6pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While most Australians were celebrating at home, Brisbane local Andrew McLennan was on the ground in a Ukrainian war zone delivering toys and Christmas cheer to displaced families. He joined the program live from the West to share the "life-changing" reality of the conflict and the incredible resilience of the people he met.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don’t let that expensive Christmas ham go to waste! OzHarvest’s Monique Llewellyn joined Carla Bignasca to share brilliant hacks for transforming festive "bits and bobs" into delicious new meals while saving your family hundreds at the checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Drive weekdays from 3pm-6pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cairns is officially gearing up for a massive 2026, and Mayor Amy Eden says the city is ready to move beyond just being a "gateway to the reef." From securing a future for the North Queensland Cowboys women’s team to managing a "super growth" population boom, find out how the Far North is future-proofing itself for the next century.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many seniors, Christmas can be a lonely time, but Chef Ian Woodcock is on a mission to bring back memories through the power of food. He joined Carla Bignasca to share the heart-warming reason he traded celebrity kitchens for a career in aged care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Drive weekdays from 3pm-6pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christmas Eve-Eve is peak chaos on the M1, and the RACQ is revealing the bizarre reasons drivers are getting stranded. From pets locking their owners out of the car to the "redline" fuel light gamble, find out why 3,000 Queenslanders will need a rescue before the big day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Queensland’s only children’s hospice announced a sudden three-week closure, families like Ebony Hess’s were left without a vital lifeline during the hardest time of the year. Ebony shared her emotional journey with her daughter and why she’s fighting to save the heart of Hummingbird House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Drive weekdays from 3pm-6pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sussan Ley slammed the Prime Minister’s response, accusing him of choosing political optics over genuine community presence. She revealed why the Coalition believes the government has "failed to meet the moment" and demands the immediate recall of Parliament to address national security gaps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Tom Tate reflected on a year of resilience, from the rapid restoration of storm-battered beaches to a record-breaking $5.6 billion tourism boom. Discover what the Gold Coast has in store for 2026, including the return of the Pacific Airshow and bold new plans for an Olympic-ready arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 3:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brisbane Heat superstar Grace Harris joined Ben Davis to share the hilarious story behind hitting a six with a broken bat and her honest take on a winless season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Sunshine Coast destined to become a "homogenous blob" known as Greater Brisbane for the 2032 Games? Mayor Natoli drew a line in the sand and explained why the region’s identity is not up for negotiation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former Australian spinner joined Ben Davis to share incredible stories from the Irish dressing room, his take on why "Bazball" is faltering in the current Ashes, and what it was really like in the Brisbane Heat's inaugural dugout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton joined Ben Davis on 4BC Drive to showcase the unique alpine climate and "Strange Bird" wine culture of the Southern Downs. The discussion balances the region’s tourist appeal with the serious realities of water security, road infrastructure, and local government funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 2:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Queensland faces a daunting shortfall of 50,000 construction workers by 2026, Kim Hetherington from Construction Skills Queensland Director of Industry warns that the gap threatens the delivery of the 2032 Olympics and essential housing projects. While interstate and international recruitment remain options, the primary goal is training a new generation of apprentices to meet long-term infrastructure demands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CEO of Intelligent Risks Neil Fergus joined Ben Davis on 4BC Drive to talk about the systemic intelligence failures that preceded the Bondi attack. He argues that despite the suspects’ alleged ties to Islamic State, they were not properly flagged by border or financial monitoring systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Tony Rayner joined Ben Davis on 4BC Drive to give a virtual tour of Longreach, highlighting the region's unique blend of world-class aviation history and a robust agricultural sector. He discusses the critical need for improved water security and childcare services to ensure the town continues to attract young families and professionals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Queensland families prepare for the holidays, DV Connect CEO Jo Jessop joined Ben Davis on 4BC Drive to warn that the "cocktail" of financial stress and alcohol makes this the most dangerous time of year. The organisation is currently handling thousands of calls, offering everything from safety planning to emergency accommodation for those at risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to 4BC Drive weekdays from 3pm-6pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite the LNP's "adult crime, adult time" campaign, recent data shows that only 1 in 8 youth offenders sentenced as adults are actually serving time behind bars. Criminologist Terry Goldsworthy joined Ben Davis on 4BC Drive to suggest that without removing judicial discretion through mandatory minimum sentencing, these leniency trends will continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Atwood Marshall Lawyers’ Duncan McDougall joined Ben Davis on 4BC Drive to unpack the complex issue of undue influence, explaining how to spot when a vulnerable family member is being coerced into changing their will. He offers crucial advice on preventing legal battles through proper capacity assessments and professional will drafting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to Ben Davis on 4BC Drive weekdays from 3pm-6pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Geoff McDonald outlined the ambitious push to extend passenger rail to Withcott to help solve South East Queensland's congestion crisis. Discover how a proposed "wave" shuttle service could connect the Darling Downs to Brisbane for just 50 cents!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Prime Minister John Howard returned to the spotlight with a rockstar reception and a brutal new nickname for Anthony Albanese. Listen to the moment the 86-year-old weighed in on the leadership crisis gripping the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to Ben Davis on 4BC Summer Drive weekdays from 3:00pmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brisbane local Rebecca reveals the terrifying reality of antisemitism in Queensland, including a disturbing confrontation with a hospital nurse, after losing a family friend in the Bondi tragedy. She explained why she holds the government responsible for the rising hate and shared a powerful message about the Muslim hero who saved lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the National Cabinet meets to discuss urgent gun reforms, Ben Davis asked the Acting Deputy Commissioner if there is actually a legal limit on how many firearms one Queenslander can own. Her response regarding the current Weapons Act raised serious questions about why someone in the suburbs needs an arsenal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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