PodVan

This Quick Fix is pure chaos in the best way: we're parked up at the beach, the dogs are everywhere, there's suspicious Labrador mischief, we test out bone-conduction headphones (through our actual bones, obviously), and then spiral into a very scientific debate about bears, men, and Hemsworths. No plan- and a stack of laughs!!! If this doesn't put a smile on your face - go see your doctor!

WARNING: This episode contains talk around car crashes, fatalities, PTSD, and suicide. It's a great chat - and we have a lot of laughs amongst it, but it's real and it's raw - and if you're not in the right headspace to listen right now, you might want to give this one a skip.I've always wanted to get a firefighter on the podcast!  And then I met Billy Mac. He has lived through a lot! Ex-firefighter, ex-army, and now living with PTSD, CTE and a late ADHD diagnosis that kinda makes sense of the chaos he has carried for years. (I can relate!)In this episode, he shares the breakdowns that nearly ended him, the wife who saved him, the young blokes on the rugby field who keep him grounded, and why telling his story might just save someone else's life too.Feel free to drop a comment below. I love seeing when one pops up!Huge thanks to our Patreon legends in our member's section, where you can get bonus episodes and content for $10 a month via:  https://patreon.com/podvanLet's chat!

You know those plastic bottle tops you toss in the bin? Lottie Dalziel's turned them into coasters, earrings and pens! She's the founder of Banish, a platform that makes sustainability accessible (and fun!). We talk about how she started with one New Year's resolution and ended up with 70 shoeboxes a day in the mail, the realities of greenwashing, and how to do your bit for the planet.We also get into:• What sparked Lottie's green mission• The small changes that actually save you money• Why greenwashing is everywhere and how to spot it• Banish's recycling program and how it works• Her advice for staying motivated without being perfectHuge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️Get bonus episodes and more for $10 a month at http://podvan.com.au/membersLet's connect! ⬇️

In this Quick Fix, we're joined by renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan, straight from the stage to the van! Luke shares his story of navigating the restaurant world, including how he faced near-bankruptcy, the relentless overheads of the industry, and what drives his success.If you'd like to hear the whole chat, which includes Shane Fitzsimmons on leadership during the devastating 2019–2020 bushfires, and Tim Martin on AI in business and life, just look up Episode 39 in the Podvan Podcast!Oh, and remember,

This one is very different - and super special. I sat down in front of a packed room with author, broadcaster and journalist Julia Baird at the Words on the Waves Writers Festival to talk about her new book Bright Shining. Julia's work has changed lives and given so many people the courage to keep going. In this chat, we look at the big ideas that shape her writing – awe, grace, and the power of compassion. From a nurse's gentle touch to a father's act of forgiveness, these stories are AMAZING!Huge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️Get bonus episodes and more for  $10 a month at http://podvan.com.au/members Let's connect! ⬇️

I REALLY hope you're finding this episode on the day it's released! It'll just make the whole experience so much more fun for you!

Sarah Kearns is back - and glowing from the inside out.The program Sarah runs is called " Project Glow" - and it's so much more than a health kick. It's a full-circle transformation built on self-respect, tiny habits, and a brutally honest look at what's not working. Sarah opens up about her own journey through motherhood, grief, hormone shifts, and the slow, sustainable changes that helped her find herself again.We chat about:• The moment that changed everything (a waterfall in Cairns)• Why body acceptance and change can co-exist• Building new habits that actually stick• What women need to know about their cycle and strength• How Project Glow became a toolkit for real lifeI'd love to know what you think about this one! Please leave a comment below!Huge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️There's a whole other chat with Sarah in the Members Page...Let's connect! ⬇️

A year ago in Episode 38, Cass and Vicky rolled into town and jumped in the van. Cass and I used to work together at the radio station and both of us (and Vicky, it turned out) had a lot of reflection and redirecting to do when we got hit with a massive change. I'm sure many of us have been through this - and it's a bloody tough thing to navigate!This one starts off loose and broken - but ends up deep and thoughtful. Hope you enjoy it.And if you'd like to hear the whole episode it came from, just search for Episode 38 of The Podvan Podcast!Oh, and remember,

This is a really fun one! Amanda and Ed from the Not Quite Write podcast run flash fiction competitions that flip traditional writing advice on its head — and their “daredevil” critiques have become a favourite feature for brave writers.We talked about:• How “kill your darlings” became a writing comp prompt• Why tough feedback beats empty praise• Blind judging, beta readers, and growth through critiqueAnd to enter to win part of the $4000 in cash prizes, head to http://notquitewriteprize.comHuge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️Exciting things coming for you soon!Let's connect! ⬇️

Julie had no idea what she was walking into.She thought she was meeting me at the beach - instead, she ended up in a float tank under an apartment block, getting Reiki, facials, and mocked by a woman with a massage oil holster. And it only got weirder from there.Huge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️All memberships now $10 a month - and include weekly Patreon Exclusive episodes with "Rabbit and Julie Goodwin"Let's connect! ⬇️

*Video Episode on Spotify* Bobby-Jo from the Safari Life podcast jumps in the van with wild stories, hilarious first meetings, emotional photos and one very frisky prehistoric bird.

Yep. The title says it all really. And honestly, I reckon you'll be shocked by some of these numbers!BIG announcement regarding the future plans for the Podvan Podcast in this one too.Please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you!Rabs. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I met Jenny Darbin at her beautiful homewares store, Ivy & Rose in Wyong. She's sharp, hilarious, and endlessly generous - and this episode shows every side of her.Jen's been an interior designer for over 25 years, working across huge corporate fit-outs, high-end homes, and deeply emotional renovations. Her story of how she got to where she is includes more drama, heartbreak, and triumph than you'd ever expect!We'll go through:• What actually makes a “good” interior designer• The jaw-dropping "money-is-no-object" renovations• Surviving a horrific accident - and learning to walk again• Why Jenny is so passionate about mental health, especially for women• Her upcoming fundraiser for the Debbie Gaunt FoundationI think you'll really like this one!Huge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️Exciting things coming for you soon!Let's connect! ⬇️

I reckon this one should come with a warning: high chance of laughter-induced snorting.Julie Goodwin is back in the van and this time, we spiral gloriously through philosophical dilemmas, accidental insults, ADHD meds, trolley problems, and a puppy called Jerry. It's loose. It's chaotic. And it's probably the most on-brand episode we've ever done!

I had the absolute honour of recording my 100th episode with Cath Troy – and I'll never forget it. At 101 years old, she was still sharp as a tack, full of cheek, and generous with her stories. Cath passed away yesterday at the age of 101.If you've never heard her stories, this is the time. She grew up in Balmain, watched the Harbour Bridge being built, danced through the war years, fell in love with her beloved Cess, and told stories with the kind of sparkle that only comes from living a very full life.Rest in Peace, Cath - and thank you for giving us your story.Huge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️Exciting things coming for you soon!Let's connect! ⬇️

You don't meet many people like Jordan Cabrita.At 28, he's a world-ranked adaptive CrossFit athlete with Down syndrome, autism, and a tonne of other diagnoses that were never meant to line up with what he's achieved. Alongside his powerhouse mum Danielle, Jordy has taken on life-threatening surgeries, lifelong health challenges, and a fitness scene that didn't always know where he fit. Now? He's leading the charge. With plans to travel to Vegas and coach the next gen of adaptive athletes, Jordy's story is equal parts gutsy, hilarious and deeply moving.I reckon you'll love this one.Huge thanks to our Patreon Subscribers! ❤️Exciting things coming for you soon!Let's connect! ⬇️

Oh man - I'd forgotten how good this chat was!!Sarah Kearns shares the moment her stillbirth story cracked open - and how a panic attack during a jelly facial finally brought the anxiety to the surface. This one's raw, powerful, and unexpectedly hilarious in parts (eyelash tinting nearly broke me).

Shaun's a fishing-obsessed lad from Bristol who's built an awesome community around his YouTube channel, The Fishing Bloggers. He's in Australia right now chasing a few bites and joined me in the van for a yarn about the massive cultural differences in how we fish, what fish are worth (seriously, wait till you hear the price of a carp), and why he's completely hooked.We covered:• How a humble hobby turned into a full-on YouTube following• What it's really like fishing in the UK vs Australia• How fishing became his mental recharge and creative outletAs always, a massive thanks to our Patreon crew for keeping this show alive ❤️All the links:Podvan WebsiteFacebook GroupFacebook PageInstagramPatreonTikTokYouTube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the thing about Quick Fixes... I love them too! I forget who I had on last week - so to go back and hear people from over a year ago - it's like hearing brand new episodes!

From investigative journalism during the Asian financial crisis to working in London's dot-com bubble, Amber's journey has taken her from the newsroom to founding her own PR agency and becoming one of the country's most respected crisis communications experts.We chat about ambition, burnout, bouncing back, and what it's really like to coach someone through a 60 Minutes interview when their world is falling apart.• The reality of winning a Walkley Award at 22• What the “dot-bomb” era was like behind the scenes• Why silence breeds suspicion in a media crisis• Tough clients, tricky headlines, and the power of a second act• The podcast she's launching for elite athletes who suddenly have to start againFrom schoolyard newspapers to media war rooms, this one is full of real talk, honesty and perspective.If you'd like to check out the event Amber is holding on May 16th: Click hereThanks so much to our Patreon legends for supporting the show

When I put the call out for unique local legends, I didn't expect a crew of metal detectorists to roll into the van, but that's exactly what happened. Matt, Dave and Scott are part of a quiet underground of people who spend their time (and a fair bit of money) helping strangers recover lost wedding rings, car keys, and even pendants holding a loved one's ashes. All for free.In this episode:• How their online community has grown to 65,000 members• Emotional recoveries from beaches, backyards and bush tracks• Their wildest finds, from Tiffany rings to 1930s radio dials• Why they never charge, even when people insistThis one's full of heart and good feels. Enjoy!Huge thanks to our Patreon legends for keeping the wheels turning.All the links:Podvan WebsiteFacebook GroupFacebook PageInstagramPatreonTikTokYouTube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elsa, Olaf and Existential CrisisThis one starts with a cute F1 reel… and ends with me questioning everything I know about Frozen.It's got movie memory loss, school motto confessions, and my kids being far too confident with their Disney trivia. Fast-paced, funny, and full of sibling sass.If you liked this snippet, the full family chaos lives in Episode 25.

I rocked up to a singles night at a bowling alley… I parked out the front with the Podvan, waiting to chat with some of the locals brave enough to walk in solo.In this episode I chat with:• Grace, who moved to the Coast with no mates and has built friendships through these events• Irene, a widow who's learning to reinvent herself• Steve, a men's coach sharpening his social skills post-divorce• Scott, a full-blown pro bowler (yes, with the wrist guard and his own balls)• And Lisa from Connect Social, the driving force behind these fun eventsWe talk loneliness, laughter, starting over, and why it's worth putting your jammies aside and saying yes to something new.Thanks as always to our Patreon crew for supporting this little retro caravan of stories.All the links:

"Parts of me need to stay on the bus – and not drive"Julie's brilliant metaphor about our inner selves cracked me up and hit hard.This one's from when we sat down to talk about Julie Goodwin's new book: "Your Time Starts Now". It's got mental health, identity, anxiety, and me admitting how I “read” her book.If you enjoyed this snippet, check out the full chat in Episode 22.

Lisa from Connect Social is back in the van! And yep, the chaos kicks in immediately. Last time we had her on, the power cut out mid-chat — so this time we crossed our fingers and jumped straight back into the deep end. ADHD meds, weird habits, relationships, love, friendship events… and a whole heap of laughs.We cover:My own ADHD diagnosis & the do-it/don't-do-it voices in my headLisa's take on adult friendships, traffic light parties & weird wristband codesWhy Connect Social isn't just for singles anymoreThe challenge (and joy) of creating real spaces for connectionWild theories about birds, Red Bulls, and scabs (yep, you read that right)And somewhere in there, we almost talked about her business.Massive thanks to Lisa for jumping back in. We'll see if she lets me come crash her bowling night for Ep175…Big thanks to our Patreon legends who help make this show happen. Want to hear full episodes, behind-the-scenes reels, or support the van rolling? Jump on here: https://patreon.com/podvanAll the links:

So… this is different. I've got Covid! First time, five years late, and now I'm banished to the downstairs level like a proper plague rat (my son's words, not mine). No guests allowed, so you're stuck with me — but there's plenty going on!•My overdue Covid debut and some very amusing isolation moments•An update on starting ADHD meds •Some very cool behind-the-scenes on the Grumpy Ginger Yarn Co partnership•The beauty of Memory Lane sessions, especially after editing one for Julie's 30th anniversary•A hilarious post-episode van chat with Julie about gyms, weddings, and getting a ferret up your clacker (yep, it's in there)Thanks for sticking with me while I get better. Normal recording resumes as soon as I can be trusted around people again. Meanwhile, enjoy this weird and wonderful little time capsule.Thanks to our Patreon legends for keeping the van rolling.All the links:

Funnel webs and a very suspicious “dog toy” – pest control has never been this entertaining.When you bring in the professionals to deal with spiders, fleas and cockroaches, you also get wild stories about haunted toilets, charging devices best left unnamed, and a book left out for a bathroom funnel web.If you enjoyed this snippet, check out the full chat in Episode 24.

I thought I was going to chat with Donna about her art therapy work with kids. But from the moment we jumped on the phone, I realised there was a lot more to this story.It has a lot to do with her kids. Her son is literally a rocket scientist, one daughter is the mutli-ARIA-nominated musician Jack River, and the other daughter, Shannon, is the reason Donna now runs one of the most impactful art programs I've ever heard of. We barely scratch the surface here, but the insight, strength, and soul she brings is something I'll never forget.This one is a crazy-beautiful mix of space, music, grief, healing, and hope. Thank you Donna ❤️Thanks as always to our Patreon legends for keeping this van rolling down the road.All the links:

What started as a $20 trip to the markets turned into a full-blown backyard reno! Now the family's got a funny farm, a dog-duck friendship, and a rogue budgie named George.If you enjoyed this snippet, check out the full chat in Episode 18.

Need a good laugh? We kick off this episode in a jungle of fake plants and fly straight into ADHD meds, denim cowboy boots, and a hotel toaster inferno. It's the chaotic catch-up we all needed!Huge thanks to our Patreon legends for keeping the wheels turning.All the links:Podvan WebsiteFacebook GroupFacebook PageInstagramPatreonTikTokYouTube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Ted. An 87-year-old bloke that jumps in his truck every day to scrub graffiti off walls for free!In this funny, heartfelt, and completely one-of-a-kind chat, Ted climbs into the Podvan to share how a heart attack, a pushbike, and a stubborn sense of justice led to a decades-long mission to keep the MidCoast clean.He opens up about:• Why he's never accepted a cent for his work• How local kids and community service programs are part of the solution• The secret to getting graffiti off anything (and what not to do)• How he turned a rundown footy field into a dog park with two ride-ons and a gardenThis one's packed with heart, humour, and genuine Aussie spirit. Ted doesn't want fame — just a cleaner town.Thanks to all our Patreon supporters!All the links:

Rabs and Julie go full chaos mode trying to break the space-time continuum.Rabbit's van plans spark a mind-bending debate about past, present and future – with a detour into failed business ideas and a 5kg Fruit Choc gift gone very wrong. Time is meaningless, but the laughs are real! If you enjoyed this snippet, you can check out the full chat in Episode 17.

What's it really like living with autism in a world that often doesn't understand? Meet 17 year old Rachel.In this honest and at times funny chat, Rachel sits down in the Podvan to talk through her experiences as an autistic teenager navigating high school, job hunting, social cues, selective mutism, masking, and more.She opens up about:•What autism actually feels like from the inside•The truth about “stimming,” meltdowns, and panic attacks•Dealing with bullying, judgement, and misconceptions•How NDIS support and community spaces have made a difference•Why she gave a speech to her entire school and is doing it againThis one's an important listen – not just for people with autism, but for anyone wanting to better understand and support those who think and feel differently.Thanks to all our Patreon supporters: Patreon

Phil hit rock bottom during lockdown — struggling with addiction, isolation, and the pain of losing access to his children. In this Quick Fix, he shares how he turned that darkness into something powerful: Walk It Off, a weekly walking group for blokes to connect, talk, and take the first step toward better mental health. It's raw, real, and full of hope.This Quick Fix comes from Episode 14 of the Podvan Podcast. If you enjoyed this snippet, check out the full chat in Episode 14!

Used condoms, angry cats, and burnout – welcome to a day in the life of a vet.Vet Narissa and nurse Kayla from Greencross Vets Wyoming jump into the Podvan – and it's a wild ride. From underwear and angry cats to burnout, snakes, and used condoms (yep), this episode is equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking and eye-opening.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content and more? Sign up here: Patreon

This might be the most open I've ever been on the podcast.In this episode, Kyla and I sit down for a really honest chat about mental health, ADHD, and anxiety. We talk about what it's like to live with ADHD, how medication has changed Kyla's life, and the rollercoaster that comes with managing anxiety.Throughout the episode, there's this looming moment - I'm about to head off to my psychiatrist appointment to find out if I have ADHD. And at the very end… I come back with the results.We talk about everything from diagnosis to daily struggles, the ridiculous amount of caffeine I was consuming without telling anyone, and the medications we've both tried along the way.Thanks as always to our Patreon supporters: Patreon

So many laughs in this episode!! It was originally titled "There's A Snake In My Airhole".It's the Rabbit and Julie Goodwin show that happened behind the scenes when we were on the radio together... Enjoy!This Quick Fix comes from Episode 12 of the Podvan Podcast. If you enjoyed this bit, check out the full conversation in Episode 12!

My daughter Tiana turned 15 today 15, and we sat down to celebrate the milestone with a birthday chat in the Podvan. What followed was equal parts funny, insightful, and touching.We talked about cow slippers, high school, NCIS, social media, and her dream of becoming a Ferrari engineer in Italy. We also looked back at how much she's grown – from snitchy primary schooler to confident dancer – and the pressures teens face today that we never had to deal with.A warm, funny, and honest conversation with one of my favourite humans.Thanks as always to our Patreon crew – you keep this going: Patreon

She always dreamed of becoming a flight attendant - but her parents had other plans.In this Quick Fix, Jen shares how her career began with dashed dreams and detours… and turned into 43 years of booking dream holidays, navigating pandemic chaos, and dealing with everything from $100k trips to 2am emergencies.

In this episode, Katrina from Angels Hair Studio shares 22 years of salon stories – from perm dramas and fringe disasters to emotional moments and unexpected confessions. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the magic (and madness) of running a local salon.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here

Julie Goodwin is back in the Podvan, and things go completely off the rails. From Zoom fails to gummies that don't do what you think, this episode is pure chaos, filled with laughs, random stories and some truly questionable moments.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content and more? Sign up here.

Normally a Quick Fix (which come out on Tuesday and Thursdays) is a flashback to a stand-out bit from an old episode (in case you missed it the first time around). But this one is a BRAND NEW one! Confused? Come on in! Let me explain....It's fun!

It's not every day you get to sit down with one of the most recognisable names in Australian television, especially one who doesn't talk.In this episode, I sit down with Humphrey B. Bear, yes that Humphrey, and his guardian Craig to talk about his incredible legacy, from 44 years on TV to his work today with the Leukemia Foundation. We get into the history of Australia's favourite bear, why kids still love him and whether or not he'll ever wear pants.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters. Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content and more? Sign up here.

Taryn's never had the internet at home… and doesn't think she needs it.In a world where we're glued to our screens, Taryn has never had Wi-Fi, never streamed a show, and still watches free-to-air TV. No Netflix, no YouTube, no TikTok—just good old-fashioned television with ads. Rabs tries to wrap his head around it, and the conversation takes some hilarious turns.

Dopamine is behind everything from our daily habits to our biggest struggles, but do we really understand how it works? Dr. Anastasia Hronis is a clinical psychologist and researcher who breaks down the science behind motivation, addiction, and why we chase short-term highs.We talk about why dopamine detoxes don't actually work, how ADHD brains process dopamine differently, and why breaking bad habits is so much harder than we think. Dr. Hronis' book The Dopamine Brain looks into the science behind all of this and more, and in this episode, we get into what it means for everyday life.If you've ever wondered why you can't stop scrolling or why forming new habits feels impossible, this episode is for you.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here.

This episode has some of my all-time favourite stories - including the ones about the multiple pranks pulled on me at Russell Crowe's place. Michelle joins me in the Podvan, and we get into all the things that have shaped our ridiculous friendship. We also finally chat about the time I brought up my anxiety with her - and her response to it.There are so many big laughs in this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here.

She was 17, on holiday with her family… and had no idea she was about to be proposed to.Fi shares the unbelievable story of how her boyfriend of two years dropped to one knee in front of her entire family on Christmas morning—without asking her mum first. The proposal, the shock, and the fallout make this one unforgettable holiday memory.

Well, this one is pure chaos and stacks of laughs!Julie Goodwin is back, and in true Julie style, she's roasting my life choices at every turn. We cover everything from my questionable new iPhone purchase to the etiquette of buying handbags for your wife.If you love a good laugh, stories that go completely off the rails, and hearing Julie absolutely take me down, this episode is for you.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here.

She always loved writing, but now she's making it a business.Brooke shares how she turned her passion for storytelling into a career, from publishing her own books to launching a publishing company that helps new authors find their voice—while James is just trying to figure out which character in her novels is based on him.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, hoarding, and forensic cleaning.Matt and Lauren share what it's like running a biohazard and forensic cleaning company, dealing with everything from hoarder homes and neglect situations to crime scene cleanups and unattended deaths. It's not just about scrubbing walls—it's about restoring homes and dignity.This episode will open your eyes to a side of life most people never see.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here.

Some people scroll social media for entertainment—Laura collects handwritten notes.From shopping lists with dark secrets to angry parking rants and heartbreaking confessions, Laura's Instagram page, Found by Laura, is a goldmine of real-life moments captured on paper. What started as a personal collection has turned into exhibitions, a book, and a massive following.In this episode, we talk about:•The first note she ever found and why it sparked a lifelong obsession•The strangest, funniest, and most emotional notes in her collection•The mystery behind anonymous messages and the stories they reveal•How strangers have recognized their notes on her pageLaura's passion for forgotten words and glimpses into people's lives makes this one of the most unique and entertaining episodes yet.You can check out her collection at foundbylaura.com or follow her on Instagram at @foundbylaura.A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! Want to join the Podvan family and get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more? Sign up here!