Picture a cantankerous bloke who speaks his mind about everything from new bridges to staying active after 70 – he did Everest Base Camp at 69, plans Annapurna at 71, and doesn't let bad knees stop him. Meet an ex-South African Aussie granddad with a no-bullshit vibe and big goals. This bluntly strange chat is funny, inspiring, and full of fire – hit play and get motivated.

Ready for some stranger stories? Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia (and sometimes a little further), microphone in hand, chatting to strangers. 

It's conversations... with everyday people.

 

 

EPISODE SUMMARY

Meeting the Cantankerous Bloke on a Walk

Jon bumps into Brian enjoying the sun at South Bank. Brian’s from Harvey Bay, here for family. He’s 71, ex-South African, 46 years in Australia. Cantankerous bloke with a fascination for bridges and how things evolve.

The New Bridge & Architecture Rant

He loves the new bridge – but really any bridge. Cantankerous bloke speaks his mind on how Brisbane has changed. Ex-South African, he’s seen Australia grow. No holding back.

Everest Base Camp at 69

He did Everest Base Camp at 69 – knees shot, but made it. Cantankerous bloke who doesn’t let age win. Now planning Annapurna in 10 months with his son. Goals keep him going.

Bikes, Walks & Staying Active

Normally rides 50km a day. Today? Walking bridges for fun. Wife looks after grandkids, he escapes for peace. Cantankerous bloke who stays active after 70 – mentally and physically.

From South Africa to Aussie Life

Left South Africa young. Loves Brisbane's evolution. Cantankerous bloke who speaks his mind on gratitude – beautiful views, family, freedom. He’s not slowing down.

Brian’s Vibe & Wrapping Up Brian’s energy?

Warm, determined, inspiring. Cantankerous bloke who speaks his mind (then some). This bluntly strange chat leaves you ready to set your own goals.

 

Chapters

00:00 – Intro and meeting Brian on his walk
00:48 – 71, ex-South African, Harvey Bay local
01:27 – New bridge fascination – how Brisbane evolved
03:30 – Everest Base Camp at 69 – knees shot but made it
05:15 – Planning Annapurna with son in 10 months
07:42 – Normally rides 50km a day – walks bridges for joy
08:20 – Wife with grandkids, he escapes for peace – farewell

 

Key Moments

• Cantankerous bloke speaks his mind
• Everest Base Camp at 69 – knees shot but no excuses
• Planning Annapurna at 71 – goals keep him young
• Normally rides 50km a day – loves new spots
• Wife looks after grandkids – he gets peace
• Ex-South African, 46 years in Australia – grateful
• Cantankerous bloke who speaks his mind (then some)

 

Listen to the Full Conversation

Cantankerous bloke speaks his mind (then some) – Everest, Annapurna, no slowing down. Gold. Listen now on your favourite platform

 

 

🎙️ Want more, Stranger?

Like the idea of story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill chatting to attendees at your next conference or event? Or maybe you'd like them to chat to strangers in your part of the world. Hit them up here.

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☎️  Got a story you'd love to share?

Call us +61 489 272 286. You've got a whopping 10-minutes, so sit back, take a big breath and go for gold.

👽  Don’t be a stranger

Got some feedback? Bring it on. Just be gentle. One of us has thin skin ;)

🤩  Who’s behind all this strangeness?

Made & Hosted by Tim Reid & Jon Coghill
Music Supervision by Dennis Feletto

 

#CantankerousBloke, #EverestAt69, #AnnapurnaPlans, #StayingActiveAfter70, #SeniorAdventure, #WhataStrangerToldMe, #StrangerStories, #StorytellingPodcast, #TimReid, #JonCoghill, #AustralianPodcast, #ABCconversations

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