The Journey - brought to you by BMG

Stuart Hodgson | The Journey Podcast

For more than three decades, Stuart Hodgson has been part of the Albury Tigers - as a player, coach, president and passionate clubman.

In this episode, Stuart joins Matt Griffith to reflect on the experiences that shaped his life through football - from moving schools as a child and finding a sense of belonging through the game, to playing in three consecutive premierships and eventually helping lead the club as president.

But for Stuart, footy has always been about much more than what happens on the field.

He shares stories of the friendships, families and generations of people who have shaped the Albury Tigers, and what it meant for his own family to grow up as part of that community.

Stuart also reflects on one of the most challenging periods of his life - his diagnosis with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the chemotherapy treatment that followed. He speaks openly about the support he received, his gratitude for the care available locally, and how the experience changed his perspective on what matters most.

The Journey Podcast: Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.

Proudly brought to you by BMG and Radio 2AY.

Most people retire. Greg Porter bought a gold mine.

After a successful career in engineering and manufacturing, Greg moved from Sydney to the Albury Wodonga region to be closer to family. Looking for his next challenge, he discovered Karr's Reef Gold Mine near Yackandandah - a forgotten piece of Australian history that would become his life's passion.

In this episode of The Journey, Greg shares the remarkable story behind restoring the mine, uncovering hidden tunnels, preserving local heritage and proving that retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down. Instead, it can be the beginning of life's greatest adventure.

It's an inspiring conversation about curiosity, purpose, family, community and the importance of never stopping learning.

For nearly five decades, Ross Ried has helped shape community sport in Albury-Wodonga.

A Life Member of the Albury Tigers Football Club, Ross joins The Journey to reflect on the people, experiences and values that have defined his remarkable journey through local football, cycling, elite sport and community leadership.

From his first job at just 14 years old to mentoring young athletes, managing teams, supporting volunteers and working behind the scenes at the Sydney Olympics, Ross shares an honest and heartfelt perspective on what community sport can teach us about life. He reflects on the importance of volunteering, the friendships forged through football, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and the role local clubs play in creating a sense of belonging.

As the Albury Tigers celebrates 150 years, Ross also shares his unique perspective on the club's history and the generations of people who have helped build its legacy.

This is a warm and authentic conversation about loyalty, resilience and the people who quietly keep regional communities thriving.

Proudly brought to you by BMG and 1494 2AY. Celebrating the journeys that shape our region.

What does it look like to build a life around conviction, doubt, and compassion - all at once?

In this episode of The Journey, Father Peter MacLeod Miller shares a path that moves from Sydney’s cathedral world, to working with homeless communities across the city and the outback, and eventually to becoming Rector at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury.

But this isn’t simply a story about ministry or church leadership. It’s a conversation about questioning institutions from the inside, confronting the realities of human suffering, and continually reshaping what faith and service mean in a modern world.

From studying law while being drawn to the beauty of cathedral music, to working in some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities, Father Peter’s journey is anything but conventional.

What stands out most is his focus on people over systems - and compassion over certainty.

It’s an episode that invites you to reflect on belief, authority, and whether institutions truly serve the people they’re built for.
⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share or leave a review - it helps more people discover these stories.

Proudly brought to you by BMG & 1494 2AY.

What does it look like to travel the world… and then choose to slow down?

In this episode, John Garvin shares a journey that begins in a small fishing village in England and unfolds across London’s West End, the Caribbean, and the world of underwater filmmaking.

From performing nearly 2,000 shows on stage to training actors and working on major film productions, his career has taken some incredible turns.

But this isn’t just a story about adventure.

It’s about where that journey leads.

After years of global travel and high-level work, John made a decision many can relate to - stepping away from the fast pace to build a life grounded in family, community and balance.

Now based in Yackandandah in North East Victoria, he reflects on what it really means to feel at home.

A thoughtful and deeply human conversation about finding your own path - and choosing the life that matters most.

Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners

Sandra Moon didn’t set out to build a career in radio.

Born in Wagga and raised in Deniliquin, her early path revolved around theatre, travel and adventure. She spent five years overseas, working as a tour guide and navigating life independently across Europe. But it was a moment of clarity following 9/11 that forced her to pause and ask, “What am I doing?”

That question brought her home - and unexpectedly into broadcasting.

It’s a warm, grounded conversation about curiosity, community and finding the work that feels right.

Real people. Real stories. Regional heart.
Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners.

Kade Brown’s journey is one of courage, community and balance.

In this episode of The Journey, Kade shares his path from growing up in Albury to owning Adrenaline Gym and bringing Grilled Burger Bar to the border. He speaks candidly about loss, leadership, family, and learning when - and how - to reprioritise life.

An honest conversation about backing yourself and knowing when it’s time to change direction.

Proudly brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY & AlburyCity.

Former detective. Local leader. Reality TV favourite.

A life shaped by service, trauma, resilience and purpose.

In this episode, Graeme Simpfendorfer opens up about policing, the emotional toll of trauma, stepping away after 27 years, balancing family life, and finding new identity beyond the badge. A raw, honest and inspiring journey.

Local cricket tragic. Holbrook’s favourite son. Proud dad, grandfather, coach, commentator - and beekeeper!

In this episode of The Journey, Matt sits down with the endlessly positive and always entertaining Robbie Mackinlay, whose life has been shaped by sport, family and community.

Robbie shares stories from growing up on the farm at Mirrabooka, the fiercely competitive backyard cricket battles with his brothers, the values his parents instilled, and the deep connection he still holds with Holbrook. He opens up about premiership highs, heartbreaking losses, the joy of playing alongside his son Andrew, and why local footy and cricket matter more than most people realise.

This is the story of a man who has given decades to community sport - and loved every minute of it!

Brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY & AlburyCity.

Principal, coach, and proud dad - Damian Toohey shares his journey from Bathurst to Albury, raising champion swimmer Sienna Toohey, and why sport, education and community are at the heart of everything he does.

At its core, this is a story about community, opportunity and believing in potential - the kind of story that makes our region remarkable.

The Journey is proudly brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY, and AlburyCity, celebrating the stories of local legends and unsung heroes from across Albury-Wodonga.

Listen now and subscribe for more stories that celebrate our community.

From nine AFL seasons with GWS, Richmond and the Gold Coast to playing for the Howlong Spiders back home on the Border, Anthony Miles has lived a life shaped by football.

In this episode of The Journey, Anthony opens up about the highs and heartbreaks of elite sport, including Richmond’s 2017 premiership season, and what it was like to rebuild his identity beyond the AFL “stats machine.” He shares the mindset lessons he gained from mentors like Emma Murray, the pull of family, community and country life, and why he’s now passionate about coaching and giving back locally. This is a story of resilience, purpose and perspective - proving that success isn’t just measured by premierships.

From documentary filmmaker to technical director, builder, woodcarver and mentor, Rob Scott has worn many creative hats. Best known for his decades at HotHouse Theatre - where Bobby’s Bar now bears his name - Rob has quietly shaped the cultural heartbeat of Albury-Wodonga.

In this episode of The Journey, Rob reflects on how a six-month film project with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus turned into 35 years in the region. He shares stories of collaboration, creativity, and community, and why the arts remain vital to a healthy society.

A warm, insightful conversation with a man whose legacy lives on in the lights, sets, and spirit of the stage.

Listen now and discover Rob’s journey.

From teacher’s college to bakeries, vineyards, and a thriving family business, Kay Perry’s journey is one of resilience, love, and legacy. In this heartfelt conversation, Kay shares how she and her husband built Olive Hills Estate from the ground up - and the joy of seeing their three children return home to continue the story.

🎧 Listen now to hear a true celebration of family, hard work, and following your heart.

#TheJourneyPodcast #KayPerry #OliveHillsEstate #FamilyBusiness #MotherhoodJourney #InspiringStories #RegionalAustralia #Rutherglen #WomenInBusiness #FamilyLegacy #BMGPartners

What does it take to lead a school - and a shift in mindset - in regional Australia? In this episode of The Journey, Matt Griffith sits down with Jenny Parrett, Principal of James Fallon High School, to explore her remarkable path through education, leadership, and reform.

From moving schools seven times as a child to introducing a radical new model of learning at James Fallon, Jenny shares how personalised, project-based education is changing lives. She discusses the “school within a school” approach and the Big Picture learning model, where students take ownership of their learning and demonstrate their progress through exhibitions rather than exams. Jenny also reflects on her own parenting experience, her belief that schools should nurture potential rather than rank it, and why she remains a strong advocate for public education.

This is a conversation about courage, care, and what it means to prepare kids for a future we can’t yet imagine.

Michelle Hensel’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. A cancer survivor, mother, and community advocate, Michelle shares her journey from personal heartbreak to purposeful change. After losing her son Braden to a rare cancer, she has spent nearly a decade working to improve regional cancer care. This powerful episode explores grief, legacy, and the power of community to turn tragedy into hope.

From kitchen hand to hospitality heavyweight, Guru Ghuman’s journey is one of hard work, heart, and a whole lot of happiness. In this episode, Guru shares how he built some of Albury-Wodonga’s most loved venues, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why true success comes down to community and mindset.

Dee Healey, General Manager of The Albury Club, shares how one of the region's oldest institutions is staying relevant in modern times. From five-star resorts across Australia to leading this iconic venue, Dee’s hospitality journey is full of passion, purpose, and connection to the Albury-Wodonga region.

A BMG Partners & 1494 2AY collaboration.

#TheJourneyPodcast #AlburyClub #DeeHealey #RegionalStories

In this episode of The Journey, we talk with Blair French, CEO of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), who made the move to Albury-Wodonga just over a year ago. With a distinguished career in the arts, Blair shares his vision for MAMA, the impact of regional galleries, and why he chose to call our community home.

Listen now and explore the stories shaping Albury-Wodonga.

The Journey is a collaboration between BMG Partners and 1494 2AY, celebrating the people who live, work, and thrive in our region.

In this episode of The Journey, we sit down with artist Nat Ward, whose breathtaking oil paintings capture the landscapes of Albury, the Murray River, and beyond. Nat shares her passion for the region and her latest project, the Noreuilexhibition at MAMA, which explores the deep historical connection between Albury’s Noreuil Park and the French village of the same name. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about art, history, and the beauty of our local environment.

Welcome to Season 9 of The Journey! This special episode marks BMG Partners' 50th anniversary as we sit down with founder Ross Black to reflect on his incredible story.

From his early days as a solo accountant to creating a business built on family, community, and care, Ross shares the values and relationships that defined his journey - and what he believes true success looks like.

Celebrate the unsung heroes of Albury-Wodonga with The Journey, where every story inspires us to live, grow, and thrive.

Tune in now to kick off the new year with this heartfelt episode!

In this episode of The Journey, we meet Renee Williams, owner of The Real Florist in Albury-Wodonga. Growing up in her father’s nursery, Renee developed a love for flowers and a deep connection to family values. Despite challenges with ADHD and dyslexia at school, she found her strength in creativity, transforming obstacles into opportunities.

Renee’s story highlights resilience, her support for local makers, and how she kept people connected during the pandemic - all while staying true to her purpose.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and community!

Join us on The Journey as we sit down with Jane Campbell, Managing Director of Campbells of Rutherglen and fifth-generation member of the iconic family winery. Jane shares her family’s rich legacy, from her ancestors' journey from Scotland in 1857 to the challenges and joys of running a 24/7 winery today. Discover the stories behind their famous Muscat and Bobby Burns Shiraz, the tradition of family members working away before returning home, and the unique passion that goes into every bottle. Listen in to explore the heritage, resilience, and heart behind Campbells of Rutherglen.

We sit down with David Pendleton, founder of Stone Hill View, to hear his inspiring story of leaving corporate life in Melbourne for a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle in North East Victoria. From crafting eco-friendly products using recycled wool to running a thriving family farm, David shares how his passion for the land and love for simple, tactile products shaped his business and his life.

Join us as we sit down with Phil Shanahan, tennis coach, educator, and founder of the Margaret Court Tennis Academy. Discover how Phil has dedicated his life to coaching and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, legacy, and community.

In our latest episode, we sit down with Matt Vogel, the founder of Albury’s beloved ice cream store, Monumental Ice Creamery. Twelve years ago, Matt transformed a spontaneous idea into a community favourite, offering a delightful variety of ice cream and sorbet flavours made from locally grown produce and fresh seasonal ingredients.

In our latest episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sharyn Hill’s School of Performing Arts and Creative Expression with a heartfelt conversation featuring its founder, Sharyn Hill. Join host Matt as Sharyn shares her remarkable journey of nurturing young talent in the Albury Wodonga community. Since 1984, Sharyn has helped thousands of children discover their hidden talents, boost their confidence, and apply their newfound skills in all areas of life through lessons in voice, mime, performance, and public speaking.

We sit down with Rod Taylor, President of the Albury Wodonga Chrysler Club and the driving force behind Chryslers on the Murray, the largest Chrysler show in the Southern Hemisphere. Don't miss this inspiring story of passion, community, and automotive legacy!

In this captivating interview, Derek opens up about his remarkable life journey. From dreaming of becoming an AFL player to achieving it at the age of 18 with the Port Adelaide team, Derek shares the highs and lows of his career. Derek's dedication to educating and inspiring both young people and the wider community about the rich history of Australia's First Nations is truly commendable. Join us as we delve into his story of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering passion.

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Clancy, the founder of Clancy’s Food Store and a seasoned pastry cook with a knack for creating mouth-watering delights that are loved by our community.

There is no other school like the Flying Fruit Fly Circus - or "Fruities" as it is fondly referred to here on the border. It's been an iconic part of Albury Wodonga's cultural fabric for 45 years now, and we spoke with their Executive Producer Tahni Froudist about what makes it so unique and why she couldn't imagine working anywhere else.

We kick off the new year with a significant milestone here at BMG Partners, as Stephen Mamouney marks an incredible 40 years with us! This special episode is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring the significant shifts in the business landscape, financial regulations, and industry practices. It provides Stephen’s unique perspective on witnessing the building blocks of today’s Australian economy fall into place and the challenges and triumphs that have defined BMG Partners' journey over the years. Reflecting on the transformation of the financial landscape over the last 40 years and inevitable highs and lows, such as working through a global financial crisis, Stephen highlights the exciting changes witnessed in the finance industry as well.

Paul Temple is a fine arts photographer who began photographing concerts with his friend Ian Hood in the early 1970s. Their passion for capturing the bands that they love in film led them to become suppliers of images to media, promoters, and artists’ management. You can see a compilation of their famous images, mixed media and personal mementos that celebrate rock and pop performers from the early 1970s to the present day in an exhibit called "On Stage" at the Albury LibraryMuseum.

As the saying goes, if you choose a job that you love you will never have to work a day in your life. Well, that saying is very fitting for our next guest who is a movie enthusiast and the General Manager of Albury’s Regent Cinemas, Kelly Davis. Although Kelly has worked incredibly hard during her 17 years with Regent Cinemas – due to her absolute passion for the entertainment industry, she has relished every moment and is thriving in her career.

This month we bring you possibly our youngest guest on the program. However, the talented long-distance runner and three-time winner of Nail Can Hill Run, Patrick Stow has packed a lot into his 28-year journey!

We are talking to the owner of Albury Wodonga’s iconic restaurant, La Maison, Wassim Saliba, who has recently returned from an adventure riding his push bike all the way from Perth to Albury. In doing so, Wassim raised $60,000 for The Carevan Foundation, a Border charity that feeds homeless and disadvantaged people.

After requiring emergency open heart surgery in 2020, photographer Peter Charlesworth set out on a 2800-kilometre ultra-distance expedition for the Heart Foundation - and in doing so, set a new world record for the longest distance covered on a stand-up paddle board up, which was the entire length of the Murray River.

Sue Gold has no fear of embracing change - from nursing in the city to running a supermarket in the snowy mountains, to being appointed the Executive Officer of the Border Trust here in Albury. In this episode, Sue explains how everything she has done has led her to where she is now - and how she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Paul Marshall is the Regional Operations Manager for VRA Rescue NSW and also Captain of the Albury & Border Rescue Squad. He has been a volunteer with the Albury & Border Rescue Squad since 2003 and also served with Victoria Police for 17 years, 10 of which were in the Highway Patrol.

In this episode, we hear from Richard Hamilton, a former Olympic rower who now manages a dairy farm in the Mitta Valley. Richard is also a keynote speaker, professional coach, and Ambassador for Boys to the Bush - and he recently founded a leadership program called 'No Matter How Strong the Headwind'.

With over 40 years of high-level motorsport experience, people may take for granted what Brad Jones Racing do on the national stage. Taking on the best of the best, multi-million dollar teams in the premier motorsport class, Brad Jones Racing is proudly the only Supercars Championship team based in regional Australia - with their workshop and production facility right here in Albury.

This month we bring you the incredibly inspiring journey of Danica Erard, one of Australia’s most sought-after milliners who resides right here in Albury Wodonga. Lady Gaga is just the beginning of a very long list of A-List clients for whom Danica has had the honour and privilege of creating amazing headpieces. Zara Phillips, Rebecca Judd, Shani Grimmond and Lana Wilkinson are just some who have embraced Danica’s unique designs. And without a doubt, you will see many of her creations paraded around the upcoming Albury Gold Cup! 

Join us for a trip down memory lane as Kevin Poulton and Stephen Mamouney talk through some of the highlights and lessons learned from over 50 local personalities and unsung heroes that we've heard from over the past five years. We also have a very special announcement for you!

They say that if you love what you do, you never have to work another day. Well, our latest guest on The Journey is undoubtedly someone to whom this saying applies. To wrap up the year with some festive cheer, we’re talking with the talented singer and performer, Niki Strauss. Niki has featured in many of Albury’s large-scale local productions – including We Will Rock You, Kinky Boots, CatsandChicago– and she will also be taking to the stage next week for the Carols by Candlelight in both Albury and Wodonga.

Our latest guest on The Journey moved to Albury from Canberra with her young family in mid-2019, just before the pandemic hit. Having never lived in a regional area before, the reason for the tree change was to take on the role of CEO and Artistic Director of the Hothouse Theatre. It was always going to be a big job; however, the challenge of the entire industry being shut down was one Karla did not see coming.

Our guest, Public House owner Jodie Tiernan, takes us on a rollercoaster from when she blended cocktails in ritzy bars in Kensington UK, to being handcuffed by local police and transferred to a detention centre in Heathrow, to starting from scratch back in Australia when she was 26.

Jodie is a familiar face in Albury-Wodonga, from volunteering at Carevan, running midnight basketball games to help get homeless kids off the street, to purchasing and running Public House. Her cocktail trees are one of a kind, as many of us would know!

In the lead up to the AFL grand final, it seems only fitting that our latest guest on The Journey is ex-AFL footballer and Lavington coach, Adam Schneider - a country boy from Osborne turned AFL star.

In this episode, Kevin speaks with winemaker and owner of Scion, Rowly Milhinch. Scion is a progressive Rutherglen winery offering a modern spin on the region's traditional grape varietals. Self-taught winemaker Rowly is a descendant of George Francis Morris, one of Australia’s pioneering vignerons of the mid-19th Century. Formerly a graphic designer, Rowly applies creative thinking to his winemaking to craft dynamic wine styles that represent modern Rutherglen.

In this 50th episode of The Journey, Kevin speaks with creative writer and author of children's books, Aimee Chan.

In our latest episode Kevin talks to School Principal and survivor of stage four melanoma, Matt Kean, who is on a mission to raise awareness of this deadly, but preventable disease.

Kevin speaks with talented Albury based artist, Alison Percy, who has worked in the creative industries for over 30 years. Initially training as a graphic designer, Alison freelanced as an interior design consultant and calligrapher. With an eye for detail, Alison likes exploring the land, the figure and the flower in her artwork. Referencing traditional Japanese calligraphy, Alison combine’s her fascination with fluid forms with her knowledge and passion for colour. Alison has held 12 solo exhibitions and 42 group exhibitions – and her work has been featured in publications such as Belle, The Design Files and Est Living.

In our latest episode of The Journey, Kevin Poulton speaks with The Border Mail’s Food & Lifestyle journalist, Jodie Bruton. 

Jodie is literally living her childhood dream. Born and bred in Corowa, Jodie reflects that by the age of 12 she knew she wanted to be a journalist and by the age of 14 she knew she wanted to write for The Border Mail. In fact, Jodie recalls that while her friends were reading Dolly magazine at High School, she was reading the Border Mail feature pages! 

Combine this love of writing with Jodie’s passion for food, travel and cultural activities and essentially, she has landed her dream job. Jodie gets to experience and enjoy what she describes as “the fun stuff” and share her thoughts with the local community in her writing.

In our latest episode of The Journey, Kevin Poulton hears from the delightful Joan Parker, the former Mayor of Holbrook and the person responsible for parking a submarine in the centre of the town and putting it on the map.

In this episode of The Journey, Kevin Poulton hears from Clare Cannon – a second generation farmer at Woomargama Station and Committee Member of the Melbourne Cricket Club. At Woomargama Station, Clare runs Poll Hereford grass fed only cattle and fine wool Merino sheep. It is also where Prince Charles, Princess Diana and baby William stayed during their royal tour of Australia in 1983. In fact, it is said that the young Prince took his very first steps in the homestead!

Kevin Poulton speaks to a much-loved member of the Albury Wodonga community, Sharon Jacka of Ray White Albury North - a passionate mother, grandmother, fundraiser, cancer survivor and now, an award-winning real estate agent.

We recently shared Stephen Mamouney’s journey with you, so now it’s time to shine the spotlight on the other half of our leadership team - Glen Jarvis. As many of you would know, as well as heading up the Financial Planning aspect of the business, Glen is a passionate para-triathlete.  

Our latest guest on The Journey is Janelle Marsden-Boynton, owner of Feathertop Winery and the Porepunkah Pub, an architect by trade, a self-confessed food and wine lover and a loving mother of two children. Janelle is also incredibly active in the tourism industry and passionate about influencing and developing policy for tourism and economic development. Earlier in her career, Janelle was the Chair of Victoria’s Food & Wine Tourism Council in Melbourne as well as the Director of Tourism Victoria.

Kevin Poulton talks to the founder and owner of The Riverdeck Cafe, Alex Smit, about how he went from a corporate background in the big city to running Albury's favourite restaurant on the banks of the Murray River at beautiful Noreuil Park.

Our latest guest on The Journey is the man at the helm of BMG Partners for the past 33 years, Stephen Mamouney. After spending some time working in New York and Sydney, Stephen returned home to Albury Wodonga at the tender age of 25 to join Ross Black at BMG Partners, taking up partnership in 1988. Stephen has experienced more than his fair share of personal tragedies, which has lead him to be an incredibly active member of the local community. We’ve been trying to convince Stephen to sit down with Kevin for many years now, so we are delighted to finally be able to share his journey with you!

Kevin Poulton speaks to the super fit and incredibly inspiring 62-year-old champion ultra-triathlete and world record holder, Rosie Spicer.

Kevin Poulton speaks to Albury local Jacob Wolki - owner of Albury’s iconic bike shop, Cycle Station, and the popular Café Musette. He is also the driving force behind the regenerative farm and butchery, Wolki Farm. Jacob's many businesses allow him to serve the Albury Wodonga community with fresh, seasonal produce from paddock to plate.

In our latest episode of The Journey Kevin Poulton speaks to the incredibly talented Paul Smith of Supergoat Media. Paul has pursued many different career paths based on his various passions. He spent 18 years serving up delicious home-made pasta at Green Zebra in Dean Street Albury. Prior to this, Paul was an aspiring rock star in Sydney working in recording studios. Now well and truly an Albury Wodonga local, Paul's focus is on creating profile videos and brand stories for businesses. He describes his talent as producing content that establishes trust – essentially ‘finding the essence of authenticity’ in a business.

Kevin Poulton speaks to Sarah Stamm – interior designer turned creator of ‘handmade treasures’ and founder of Salisbury and Maude.With 11.5k Instagram followers and 6.5k Facebook followers – Salisbury and Maude is a unique business model that is solely owned and operated by Sarah.  Everything is original and not made in the traditional way – but more from an interior design perspective, with the end goal in mind.  When Sarah finishes a creation, she posts it on social media and it gets snapped up immediately.  

Kevin Poulton talks to Andrew, who in his 50's is making his own dream a reality by racing motorcycles off-road, in some of the roughest and most challenging terrain around the world. In fact, he is currently preparing to take on the longest and toughest off-road rally event in the world – the 2021 Dakar Rally. This is despite the fact that Andrew nearly lost his life in a serious accident during the 2020 Dakar Rally.

Have you ever dreamt about turning a hobby that you are passionate about into a business? Well, in our latest episode of The Journey Kevin Poulton talks to Jacquie Koschitzke, owner of Meraki Produce, about how she did exactly that! 

The first thing you forget when you lose a loved one is the sound of their voice. This was the realisation that planted the seed for thought to launch Dimity Brassil's business. In our latest episode, Kevin Poulton chats to Dimity, a freelance educational writer and mother of three young children who has recently created and launched a mobile app called A Lasting Tale – which allows you to record the audio life stories of loved ones. 

This month we are bringing you something a bit different - we hear the stories of two talented foodies from different sides of the globe that have come together and forged their incredibly successful businesses out of a shipping container at Wodonga’s Junction Square. Yes, we are talking to Andrea Burgio and Farrah Reid - the founders of Andiamo Street Kitchen.

In the latest episode of The Journey Kevin Poulton is talking to Award winning filmmaker Helen Newman, who established Nomad Films from her passion for storytelling and creating. We hear about Helen's latest project - Solstice The Documentary - that shines a light on mental health and suicide by telling the stories of people who have lost someone to suicide or attempted to take their own life.

Kevin talks to Josh Baker about running the successful family business of B&H Homes.

Kevin Poulton talks to the man behind the Beechworth Bakery - the lively and passionate Tom O'Toole - about his success in building such an iconic regional brand and his triumphs along the way.

Renowned for his bright, sparkly suits, crazy hair, cheeky character and incredibly entertaining style, this interview reveals the man behind the big public persona. We hear about Steve's love for his work, his plans for the future, why he keeps his hair long and the reason he insists on shaking with his left hand. In true Steve Bowen style, you are bound to be entertained!

Paul Spargo knows what he's talking about when it comes to leadership. A former Aussie rules football star - playing with North Melbourne & the Brisbane Bears - he was also Assistant Coach to the Richmond Football Club, as well as Coach of the Albury Football Club. Here Paul talks to Kevin Poulton about the key characteristics needed to be a successful leader.

Kevin chats to the down to earth David Kapay - Founder & Chef of Miss Amelie and Little Miss. A Wodonga local himself, David opens up about his approach to managing a successful team, what drives him & his plans for the future.

In this episode Kevin Poulton speaks to Peggy Mahy, the former Principal of The Scots School Albury, about her love of teaching, some of the key challenges faced along the way and why this region has always felt like home.

Kevin Poulton discovers Danny is a family man with a big heart, a modest opinion of his achievements, a hard worker that loves a beer and a yarn! Although Danny has achieved a Top 10 hit in the Country Music charts alongside Keith Urban, he claims that his story is not written yet... and he still has big plans for the future. Danny talks about the challenges of building a business, and how pleased he is to have finally struck the right balance.

Kevin Poulton chats to his old Albury High School buddy, Rugby League legend, Adrian Purtell. Adrian shares with us the highs and lows of starting his sporting career at such a young age, and opens up about the shock of having a heart attack following a match in Leeds - and how this changed his perspective on life.

Martin's Albury has been an integral part of the Albury Wodonga community since 1932, and Rosalie has been the driving force behind the growth of the business, particularly following the sudden death of her husband in 1984. Although very modest about her accomplishments, Rosalie was inducted into the Albury Wodonga Chamber Business Awards Hall of Fame in 2014 & went on to be nominated as NSW Regional Business Woman of the Year in 2015. Rosalie shares with Kevin Poulton some of the key highlights and challenges of her amazing journey.

He was one of the original funny men on Australian TV - back in the days of Fast Forward and then Full Frontal, alongside Eric Bana, Julia Morris and Kitty Flanagan (just to name a few!). Best known for his hilarious John Howard impersonation, his distinctive laugh instantly takes us right back to the ‘80s and is incredibly infectious. He is John Walker ... and he is now a Beechworth local working in Wodonga – and absolutely loves it here!

Kevin Poulton talks with Matt Daly about the business that he and his wife Karen started from their picturesque winery in Bethanga, Posh Plonk Wine. Matt and Karen’s story is a great example of how passionate people can create something uniquely special (and successful) from a just an idea.

Kevin talks to the inspirational Eliza Ault-Connell, who tells of her battle with Meningococcal as a teenager, how she learned to not only walk again, but become a Paralympic athlete that represents Australia around the world. If that's not enough, Eliza juggles her training and competing with her work as the Director of Meningococcal Australia and being a mother of three beautiful children.

David Martin's journey is a fascinating one... he is a Vietnam War Veteran, Order of Australia Medal recipient & CEO of Murray Valley Centre. Despite all that he has achieved, David is passionate about paying tribute to and the importance of remembering those who were here before us, who fought for our nation, and how we cannot take it for granted that Australia is the lucky country.

With more than 20 years of experience in the media industry, and her love of the region, Kylie King has built a successful national career in sports journalism from this regional location. Key to Kylie's success has been her ability to adapt her journalism skills in new ways in the digital world - with the Border Café, a locally owned and produced online magazine for Albury Wodonga and surrounds, that shines a light on everything that’s great about our beautiful region. She also sits alongside our very own Kevin Poulton as the co-host of 1494 2AY's Kylie & Kev Show (although this interview was conducted back in November 2018 prior to the launch of the show).

Kevin Poulton talks all things craft beer with the Founder of Bridge Road Brewers, Ben Kraus, at his Beechworth Brewery. At 24 Ben gained experience working at a brewery – whilst studying how to brew beer online. He then started putting his knowledge to practice in his parents garage - with the help of a loan they secured for him. Ben and his wife Maria were just 25... and the rest is history! Bridge Road Brewers has now created over 50 different beers – and their constant challenge is to refine their portfolio down to a dozen. Find out how Ben turned his passion for craft beer into a highly successful business - not to mention a thriving tourist attraction for our region!

Kevin talks to Olympic swim coach, Frank Hohmann, who puts his success in the pool down to two things... passion and planning. Clearly, this formula worked for him - with swimming champion success stories such as Jacinta van Lint, Clementine Stoney, Diana Ley and Belinda Hocking under his belt!

With Kevinout of action due to losing his voice, his trusty sidekick, Kylie King, stepped in to talk with an incredibly interesting, highly successful entrepreneur known as The Hackathon Queen. Michelle Mannering grew up on a farm at Table Top and is now taking on the world in all things tech and E-sports. So what is a Hackathon and E-sports you ask? Listen to find out! 

Tara Fellowes knows first hand what it's like to be homeless, which is why she is such a passionate President of Restart Albury Wodonga - a community based charity organisation helping homeless and people going through hardship with everyday essentials that many of us take for granted. Thanks to Tara, The Restart Program is making a real difference to those in need.

In this episode of The Journey Kevintalks to Wodonga Obstetrician Simon Craig - who has delivered thousands of babies on the border over the past 20+ years. If you haven't met Simon personally, it's highly likely that you know someone that has! Although Simon is very humble about his profession, we think bringing new lives into the world every day is pretty special. The job doesn't come without its challenges though - and makes a very interesting journey to hear about.

In this episode of The Journey Kevin talks to Rachelle Armstrong about running a local, family-run business and possibly Albury Wodonga’s best-kept secret! Nutrisoil has grown to become an award-winning innovator that is making a significant difference to the planet through regenerative agriculture. 

Kevin Poulton chats to local girl - turned Stunt woman / Actor, Marlee Barber. Marlee grew up on a farm just out of Walla Walla - and now lives a busy life based in Sydney doing all those amazing action scenes in movies and TV shows. You have probably seen a movie or a TV show starring Marlee but wouldn’t have realised it was her. For instance, she recently doubled for Hillary Swank in a Netflix Australia movie filmed in Adelaide called “I am Mother”.

Kevin talks to Jodie Goldsworthy about all things honey, running the successful business and her love of the Beechworth community. 

Kevin talks to Renee about her award winning veterinary clinic - and how she manages the juggle of running a business and a family.

Kevin talks to James Crooke about growing up on a dairy farm and how the family run business pivoted into creating award winning ice cream that is loved all over the globe. 

Kevin talks to AFL Footballer and Captain of North Melbourne Football Club who grew up in Wodonga and still returns to holiday regularly in the beautiful Mitta Valley.

Kevin talks to Jackson McGrath - son of Lawrence McGrath of McGrath Fine Foods (makers of that delicious Poppyseed dressing!) - and brother of Jesse, who he runs one of Albury's favourite health food cafes with, Greenstreat.  

The Journey is back - and now available on podcast! To kick off our return we were thrilled to have none other than Louise Arnold on the program.  Louise needs little introduction, as she is a familiar face and voice that regularly promotes her long-standing family business, and iconic local brand, Arnolds Fruit Market. It's been a big year for Arnolds - and Louise shares with Kevin Poulton some of the challenges they’ve faced as a family and a business, the unexpected highlights, and how she always wanted to be an actress!