PodVan

How did Tamworth become the Country Music Capital of Australia? In this episode, I chat with Barry Harley and Lawrie Minson, two legends with decades of stories from the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival. We cover: • 🎸 The Origins of Tamworth’s Golden Guitars: How it all started in a small town with big dreams. • 🏕️ Tent Mishaps and Festival Fun: From thunderstorms to massive circus tents, Tamworth’s wild early days. • 🌟 Spotlighting New Talent: How buskers and Star Maker winners have launched incredible careers. • 🎶 Playing with Slim Dusty: Lawrie shares his years on the road with Australia’s country music icon.If you love music, history, and a few good yarns, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

What’s it like building a floating playground from scratch? In this episode, I chat with Fordy, the creator of Central Coast Aqua Park, to uncover the inspiring and entertaining story behind this local favourite. We cover: • 🌊 Turning Plan B Into Success: How a misstep in Airlie Beach led to ten incredible years on the Central Coast. • 🚧 Behind the Scenes: The surprising logistics of setting up a seasonal aqua park. • 🛟 Community Connections: Supporting local businesses and creating a space for fun and friendships. • 💡 Lessons in Business: From perseverance to building great culture, Fordy shares his advice for dreamers and doers.If you’ve ever dreamed of turning an idea into reality or just love hearing about community-driven success, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

What’s it like to hit the road in a 1985 Corolla for a cause? In this episode, I chat with Tanya and Paul, a couple gearing up for the iconic Shitbox Rally. From fundraising to costume themes, we explore: • 🚗 What is the Shitbox Rally?: A 7-day, 3,500km charity road trip raising money for Cancer Council. • 🛠️ The Car & Challenges: A 1985 Toyota Corolla, no air-con, and dirt roads galore. • 🎭 The Fun & Community: Costume themes, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving back. • 🌱 Their Tree Change Story: How Tanya and Paul moved from the Central Coast to a rural town and never looked back.If you’re inspired by grassroots fundraising, adventure, and a little chaos, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

How can cooking change lives? In this powerful episode, Julie Goodwin shares her latest project—a cooking program at a juvenile detention centre. Drawing on her experiences as a youth worker, legendary cook, and advocate, Julie’s initiative is about more than just food. We explore: • 🍳 Cooking Behind Razor Wire: The challenges of running a program in a maximum-security juvenile centre. • 👫 Building Community: Teaching young offenders the value of shared meals, teamwork, and connection. • 🌟 A Path to Purpose: Julie reflects on her own journey of seeking meaning and helping others rebuild their lives.If you’ve ever wondered how small actions can create big change, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

What do antique shops, PowerPoint presentations, and a flint fire challenge have in common? Well, nothing until this episode! In this eclectic episode, I chat with a mix of South Australian guests, each bringing unique and hilarious stories to the Podvan. We cover: • 🏡 Historic Ballroom Living: A family shares their journey of turning a 1920s dance hall into their home and business. • 📽️ PowerPoint for Dogs: The ingenious way one kid persuaded her parents to get a Kelpie. • 🔥 Flint Fire Challenge: A 9-year-old proves perseverance pays off (with a $100 prize to boot). • 🐕 Life on the Move: A caravan-dwelling couple navigating big life changes and a cute dog named Fudge.If you’re here for laughs, heartfelt moments, and a glimpse into Aussie life, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

Have you heard the one about the 2 French Backpackers that stepped into a Podvan? In this episode, I chat with Malo and Noemie, a French couple navigating life in Australia while working on a pistachio farm. From drop bears to sticky bacon, we explore: • 🛻 Free Camping & Rooftop Tents: Their first experience with van life and tackling Australia’s wildlife. • 🌱 Pistachio Farming: What it’s like working on an Aussie farm to extend their visa. • 🗣️ Learning Aussie Slang: The confusion, hilarity, and charm of phrases like “bottle-o” and “bogan.”If you’ve ever wondered how Aussie culture looks through the eyes of visitors, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

This episode contains a shock announcement! Well, Julie was shocked when I actually announced it!• 🦗 Cicada Chaos: What happens when your recording location gets taken over by nature.• 📖 Julie’s Bumper Story: The hilarious tale behind her Women’s Weekly cover.• 🥳 The Fun of Friendship: From bingo cards to Grey Nomad gags, nothing’s off-limits.If you’re here for laughs, nostalgia, and a touch of chaos, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!

From farm animals to TV screens—Cosi’s story is anything but ordinary! Today we look into the incredible story of Cosi, host of the TV show "South Aussie with Cosi". In this episode, we dive into his journey from pig farmer to TV star and everything in between. We cover: • 📺 Building a 14 Season Long TV Show: How South Aussie with Cosi went from an idea to a beloved show. • 🐄 Cows for Cambodia: The life-changing charity empowering families one cow at a time. • 🛠️ The Hustler’s Mindset: From personal setbacks to entrepreneurial success, Cosi shares what it takes to keep going.If you’re inspired by grassroots success and a good laugh, this episode’s 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? Head over to our Patreon now 🌟All the Podvan links you might like to check out:🌐 Podvan Website👥 Facebook Group📘 Facebook Page📸 Instagram💖 Patreon🎵 TikTok📺 YouTubeAs always, thank you for your support, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family!