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We had the pleasure of speaking with the director and producer of this special movie, Miranda de Pencier. THE GRIZZLIES, see it in cinemas in Australia and NZ NOW! This isn’t just an amazing true story, or a satisfying sports drama. It's a beautifully crafted, wonderfully inspiring, true story of hope, a rewarding movie that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. There’s a reason why this film has won so many awards. Don’t miss it! THE GRIZZLIES is the inspiring true story of first-year teacher Russ Sheppard, who takes a temporary assignment to teach at a high school in Kugluktuk, a small arctic town with the highest suicide rate in North America. Having no success at getting his Inuit students to show up for class—and seeing that many of the teens roam around town drinking and smoking—he believes that teaching them the sport of lacrosse will get them in school and motivate them to achieve. But really it’s Sheppard who has a lot to learn, as they end up transforming their own lives as well as his. “On the list of most powerful sports movies... hits all the marks to leave you cheering”— Common Sense Media “bracingly unsentimental and transcendently moving”—The Hollywood Reporter “a gripping sports movie worthy of its place in that canon”—The Decider “spirit-lifting, heartwarming…told with specificity and skill”—Roger Ebert Rated M for suicidal themes. For cinemas and tickets go to: www.thegrizzliesmovie.com.au

Today on the podcast we are chatting to author and business relationship guru, Matt Bird. As a child he grappled with dyslexia, before writing 12 books and is now wanting to help others become authors.  He believes everyone has "a book in them". Matt was challenged to write a book during a conversation with one  of his clients, who is an author of business books. Since then, Matt has gone on to  write 12 books and is also a regular columnist for The Times newspaper.  He has now launched a 100 day course called "Writing My Book" Writing My Book is a 100-day course where Matt will coach a small group of budding  authors. Starting in January 2021, Matt says that a group environment helps  encourage people to make their first step into book writing.   To take part or for more information, register online for ‘Writing My Book’: or contact  Matt Bird to start your journey as an author: mattbird@relationologyinternational.com.

On the podcast today we are speaking to Jason F. Wright, the man behind the new Christmas movie in cinemas now, Christmas Jars! The new film is based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Jason F. Wright, and has caused a real-life movement of anonymous gift-givers with millions of dollars in spare change collected and distributed to individuals in need. CHRISTMAS JARS has at its heart a proven inspirational story of kindness and generosity. It’s the kind of film that reminds us how selfless acts of humanity can affect people's lives in deep and unexpected ways. It's a film for anyone tired of negative news stories and a year of trials and difficulty - CHRISTMAS JARS is bound to warm hearts around the country. ABOUT THE FILM: Hope is an aspiring reporter who has had her fair share of tragedy in life. Abandoned at birth, she’s grieving the recent death of her adopted mother when her apartment is burglarised of all her possessions. While reporting the burglary to the police, Hope discovers a jar full of money, labeled “Christmas Jar.” Shocked and grateful for this act of kindness, Hope discovers that people all over her hometown have been receiving Christmas Jars for years during times of need. The jars are always anonymous and always contain different amounts. In this heartwarming Christmas classic, Hope goes undercover to discover the secret behind the Christmas Jars, putting into motion a series of events that will change her life, and her community, forever. WEBSITE: www.christmasjarsmovie.com.au

This was one of our favourite guests on the show, he had us in stitches the whole interview, logie award winner William McInnes. We'll chat about his new book, Christmas Tales, talking all things Christmas in his own hilarious way! McInnes shares his own run-ins with the Man-in-Red; starting as a teen working at Coles New World in Redcliffe and his first job as a shopping centre Santa, ending in him being frogmarched out by the store security! William McInnes is an award-winning author and actor, whose popular newspaper columns have further secured his reputation as one of Australia’s favourite storytellers, and we can see why! 

Today we are speaking with an amazing young lady, Jazz Thornton. Having overcome childhood abuse and 14 suicide attempts, Jazz Thornton has now dedicated her life to speaking hope and creating change in the area of mental health.   She grew up in Timaru, New Zealand, moving to Auckland when she was 16. She struggled with mental health for as long as she can remember. As a child she had trouble regulating her emotions and as she got older this became increasingly worse. Finally when she was 20 she had a conversation that pivoted her life – and her first book, Stop Surviving Start Fighting, published by Penguin, is based on this conversation.   In 2017 Jazz began studying film and television where she directed her first short film "Dear Suicidal Me." The film went viral, being shared on international media around the world and gaining over 80 million views. Not long after that Jazz became the youngest New Zealander to win the annual Doc Edge pitching contest where she pitched her first series idea Jessica's Tree, which she went on to direct. The five-part series won the Best Web Series award at the Huawei NZ TV Awards, a gold award at the International New York Film Festival, and festival awards in Barcelona, Copenhagen and Toronto.   She co-founded Voices of Hope, a non-profit organisation which aims to create and implement change for mental health, whilst providing hope through the voices of those with lived experience. Through advocacy, campaigning and storytelling, Voices of Hope produces strategy and content with intent to influence global, communal and individual change.   Jazz was a semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year in 2019, spoke at the UN’s Speak Your Mind event during the General Assembly in September 2019, and had coffee with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to discuss mental health in 2018.   THE GIRL ON THE BRIDGE is available to watch online and in select cinemas nationally to coincide with Mental Health Week (October 10-17).  Find out more at www.thegirlonthebridgefilm.com.au You will definitely need tissues for this podcast! Warning, this interview covers heavy themes of suicide and mental health. If you are worried that someone is in immediate danger or you feel in danger yourself please call the police immediately, they are here to help. If you would like to access support and advice please go to www.thegirlonthebridgefilm.com.au to find national and international helplines.

On the podcast this week, we are speaking with author and neuropsychotherapist, Joanne Wilson to chat about her latest book, Renovate Your Relationship. Joanne has been working with couples and singles for decades to provide a practical guide to overcoming common relationship issues caused by increased stress. From self-awareness, communication issues, managing conflict, parenting and infidelity, this revolutionary guide results in more meaningful, healthier and happier outcomes for couples. Relationships are fundamental to our mental health and more than ever we rely on support from our loved ones during times of uncertainty. We regularly service our cars and renovate our homes, but the maintenance and attention to our relationship is often overlooked. We'll get some relationship advice and find out what men find most attractive in woman.  

On the podcast today we are speaking with a truely remarkable man, John Baker. He has an incredible true story that you will think it out of a movie!  More than 20 years ago, Sydney wine merchant John Baker set off with his colleague Kevin Hopko to Georgia, a country which, at the time, was keen to get out of the shadow of the Soviet Union, and was hardly a leading tourist destination. Off they were in search of mythical cellar that may or may not have belonged to two of the most famous men in Russian history - Nicholas II and Joseph Stalin – that could have been worth millions of dollars on the market. Their mission: to see if the cellar even existed, determine how they could prove the wines were what they were promised to be, and hopefully purchase the collection. That was just the start of a 3 year adventure that would take John from Double Bay, Sydney to Tbilsi, Georgia, via France and England, with plenty more bottles of wine, legal minefields, international negotiations, broken bottles and stories to last a lifetime…  

We are speaking with breathing expert James Nestor. I never thought we'd do a whole podcast on how to breathe...we've been doing it since birth, but this is fascinating! No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or wise you are, none of it matters if you're not breathing properly. There is nothing more essential to our health and well-being than breathing: take air in, let it out, repeat 25,000 times a day. Yet, as a species, humans have lost the ability to breathe correctly, with grave consequences. Journalist James Nestor traveled the world to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. Modern research is showing us that making even slight adjustments to the way we inhale and exhale can jump-start athletic performance; rejuvenate internal organs; halt snoring, asthma, and autoimmune disease; and even straighten scoliotic spines. None of this should be possible, and yet it is!

On the podcast today we are speaking with an amazing lady, author and speaker, Debra Pascoe.  Debra threw herself into writing during the first lockdown in April. And as she received the first printed copies of her book, Melbourne went into its second round of lockdown. Now, as Melburnians face each new day with anxiety and uncertainty, Debra Pascoe wants to share how she “kept her head above water” in 2014 when she experienced loss on an unimaginable scale. Her husband survived a heart attack, they celebrated the purchase of their dream home, he revealed his infidelity, then took his life – all within a space of 4 months. That was 6 years ago but her fluctuating emotions during COVID felt strangely familiar because as she explains, “grief is grief, no matter what the loss.” Time helps, but healing requires you to do the work. The work she did – from mindset to coffee, from writing lists to studying fiduciary duty, from boxing to food, from comedy to music – helped her heal in stages. To finally live again. We'll chat to her about her new book, VIVE! as she will share her story of recovery, to give others hope and promise, in a difficult time.

This week is Donate Life Week, July 26 to August 2 and we are speaking to lunch transplant recipient, Julie. Julie was diagnosed with BOOP, bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia. The prognosis was 3 to 5 years, and the reason for her illness was largely unknown.She couldn't walk 3 metres without having to stop and catch her breath. She then went on an emotional rollercoaster physically and mentally during the 15 months of waiting for a pair of matching lungs. This is her story... Sign up to be an organ donor at: https://donatelife.gov.au/ Your donation could save a life!

We are tackling a very sensitive issue in this week's podcast, discussing black deaths in custody as seek to understand more about the aboriginal culture. We will be joined by Aboriginal christian leader, writer, speaker and CEO of Common Grace, Brooke Prentis. Brooke has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with us and to help broaden our understanding on the topic. About Brooke Brooke is also a founding member of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community which is a global initiative for Masters and PhD level theological education.  She is currently studying a Masters in Theology through NAIITS at the University of Divinity, Whitley College. Brooke is also a scholar of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and has published and is in the process of publishing a number of theological papers. About Common Grace: Common Grace is an online Australian Christian movement for justice. Their mission is to inspire and organise Australian Christians to think, speak and act like Jesus for a more just world.  Campaigning on four key justice areas. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice Climate change Refugees and asylum seekers Domestic and family violence More details at: https://www.commongrace.org.au/

We're speaking with the lovely author, Imbi Neeme on this week's podcast. She has brought out a new book called 'The Spill' and we'll chat more about it. In 1982, a car overturns on a remote West Australian road. Nobody is hurt, but the impact is felt for decades. Nicole and Samantha Cooper both remember the summer day when their mother, Tina, lost control of their car – but not in quite the same way. It is only after Tina’s death, almost four decades later, that the sisters are forced to reckon with the repercussions of the crash. Nicole, after years of aimless drifting, has finally found love, and yet can’t quite commit. And Samantha is hiding something that might just tear apart the life she’s worked so hard to build for herself. The Spill explores the cycles of love, loss and regret that can follow a family through the years – moments of joy, things left unsaid, and things misremembered. Above all, it is a deeply moving portrait of two sisters falling apart and finding a way to fit back together. More Details: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-spill-9781760893767

We have the pleasure of speaking with one of Australia's most celebrated artists with a unique blend of indie-pop, folk and opera, Kate Miller-Heidke. You would have seen her in late 2019 at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song ‘Zero Gravity' and she was also the first Australian artist to win the Marcel Bezençon Artistic Award (an award presented to the best artist as voted by the Eurovision commentators). She has now written a brand new single dealing with these unsettling times and a close friend who was falling into depression, we'll chat to her more about it! "I could see someone very close to me was falling into a depression. I'd seen it before and I wanted to let them know I was there for them in a very serious way. The song was written about six months ago, before all this happened," she explains, referring to the global shutdown amidst the spread of Covid-19. She has also brought out a music video seeing dancers trade the stage for their living rooms and backyards, shot in isolation by each dancer on their phone and pieced together, you can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPetNMLAmFw&src=Linkfire&lId=79ce153c-e85b-457e-ae67-032c2437a486&cId=1f3b0af4-1f64-49b5-9848-7d1b3c9a4c3e  

Today on the podcast we are joined by a very talented creator and executive producer, Adam Mellema. Adam is a professional storyteller who has found his niche in creating kid’s content. He is the head of content at the new platform, Yippee and creator of the new kids car show, Backseat Drivers! After season 1 of Backseat Drivers was made, Adam actually began working for Yippee to help change the narrative about what is appropriate in kid’s programming. He believes in the power of storytelling to change a child’s life - and what better way then through values-based entertainment!  "Backseat Drivers" is the only car show for kids!. The three car-crazy kid hosts compete in fun challenges and learn about some of the more interesting cars (and tanks) on the road. With the help of a mechanic mom, Stuntdriver Sarah, and a cast of characters, the show creators hope to create a clubhouse of sorts for kids who already like cars, and build an interest with those who may have felt like they were too young.    If you aren’t familiar with Yippee, the network boasts a “No Ads. No Algorithms. No Attitudes.” guarantee. All of the content is approved by a task-force of parents who were frustrated with still finding questionable content on so-called kid-friendly platforms. Yippee wants parents to know that there is a safe place where their kids can find quality entertainment - without fear of accidentally clicking on something questionable. The network has over 1000 hours of programming including original shows, curated and approved YouTube influencers, and the largest catalog of Veggie Tales content available. Details at: https://www.yippee.tv/

In this episode we will are speaking with the amazing baker and author, Josephine Moon. She has just brought out her new novel (that Susie loves the sound of) The Cake Makers Wish! Jo has long written ‘foodie fiction’ – novels about love and family, but also about the power and the pleasure of gorgeous food.But it was THE CAKE MAKER’S WISH that turned this foodie fiction author into a real-life foodie! Jo recently came first place for her jam at the Royal Brisbane Show, and second at the Noosa Show for her Persian Love Cake, the recipe for which features in the book. The Cake Makers Wish is about a passionate baker Olivia and her little boy Darcy uproot their lives to join ‘The Renaissance Project’, an initiative to breathe life back into a dying village in the Cotswalds. Olivia opens a cake shop, and quickly finds herself torn between a new love, and a potential reunion with Darcy’s father. It's a warm and uplifting novel that I'm sure you will enjoy during increasingly uncertain times.

This week we are joined by Keith-Alan, also knows as 'the motivation guy'! That says it all, Keith-alan’s charm, positive energy, and charisma have connected with kids for almost a decade. He has an ability to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones and believe in themselves. He wears many hats from Tv show host, a dance teacher, an influencer and a pastor. He opened up a kid’s dance studio with his wife in Los Angeles called “Time 2 Dance” that has existed for 7 years. In addition to teaching dance, Keith-alan is also one of the top hosts for children and family entertainment, hosting a new show on Yippee called Time2Dance. Time2Dance pulls kids from their live audience who have no formal dance experience to prove that anyone can dance.  Part competition show and part dance battle, contestants are mentored and encouraged! Currently, he's also working for a popular gaming Youtube channel called Proguides Fortnite, where he is seen and heard by hundreds of thousands of people every week. On top of all that Keith-alan’s greatest passion is pastoring a church with his wife Maral Hinson. He is driven to make an impact wherever he goes, no matter the stage or platform.  You can watch Time2Dance on the new family safe platform Yippee: https://watch.yippee.tv/browse.

It was an absolute pleasure to speak with a young emerging Indigenous singer-songwriter and musician, Chris Tamwoy about his latest single, Kulba Yaday'. The  song is about the passing of knowledge from generation to generation”.  Meaning ‘old talk’, the powerful Kulba Yaday was originally released by acclaimed artist Christine Anu.  We'll chat to Chris about what it was like working with Christine Anu and find out more about the old traditions and cultural practices of the Torres Strait. 

On the podcast this week we are catching up with Daniel Flynn, the managing director and co-founder of Thank You. For him, it started with an impossible idea: a bottle of water that exists to help end the World Water Crisis. That idea has now grown to over 55 products, from personal care products to nappies and baby care. Thankyou is a social enterprise that commits 100% of their profit to end global poverty. The Thankyou consumer movement has raised millions of dollars to get safe water, toilets and child and maternal health programs to hundreds and thousands of people in need. Truely amazing, enjoy!

In the podcast this week, we are speaking with the amazing, Ron Hall who has a truely life changing story! So powerful, he's produced a film around it! Ron is the main character, played by Greg Kinnear, as well as the author of his best selling book. About the Film The movie is an inspirational true story of friendship, family and forgiveness. Successful art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) and his wife Debbie (Renée Zellweger) seemingly have the perfect life. But when their faith and family are tested, an unlikely bond with a homeless drifter (Djimon Hounsou) leads them on a remarkable journey that forges an everlasting friendship. Same Kind of Different As Me shows how a simple act of kindness can change everything. Watch the trailer here: https://premieres.movieschangepeople.com/films/same-kind-of-different-as-me SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, starring Renee Zellweger, Will have its online premiere 29th-31st May, available online until 14th June. Every Single and Family pass sold contributes to The Red Shield Appeal. Go to movies change people dot com for more information.

On the podcast we are catching up 2 of the presenters from Top Gear UK's new line up, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. Chris and Paddy will chat about the new series of Top Gear UK and all the mischief they got up to behind the scenes as they traveled the globe in pursuit of motoring mayhem. In the new series, you can expect to see bungee jumping in a car, an epic race between a fighter jet and the latest McLaren hypercar, a spectacular road trip through Peru plus top celebrity guests in the studio and lots of laughs. Having taken the world's biggest motoring entertainment show to a whole new level in 2019, audiences will be on the edge of their seats 2020. Top Gear UK is now available on Australian TV on 9Rush.