Coffee Chats with Matt Collins

He certainly doesn't look like someone you go up and talk to about living a better life, but Kevin 'Mad Dog' Mudford has spent a lifetime helping others. The 63-year-old walks throughout Australia and New Zealand with a cross, resembling Jesus' crucifix. The reformed prisoner, alcoholic and drug addict shares his story with people along his travels. In their chat, Mad Dog shares with Matt why he was in jail by 15, and how he survived a vicious attack by a man who believed God told him to do it.

James Blundell's country music career is a lengthy and significant one. He was named Best New Talent at the Country Music Awards way back in 1987. More than 30 years on, he still has that same passion and energy for his music which earnt him Hall of Fame reognition.. In their chat, James shares with Matt what he gets up to on the farm, why he got into politics, the fights he has with his 85-year-old father and the whirlwind of events that unfolded after recording his hit 1992 song with James Reyne, Way Out West.

Allan 'Alfie' Langer is one of the greatest rugby league players to ever pick up a ball. At 52, he is still involved in the game he loves as a self-confessed water boy. He was recently immortalised with a statue outside Lang Park for his contribution to sport. In their Coffee Chat, Alfie shares with Matt his biggest life lessons, his best Wayne Bennett story and the funniest practical joke he ever played on his good mate, Kevvie Walters.

'Brian' is a war veteran. He turned to alcohol early on in life and it very quickly consumed his every waking hour. The story of alcoholism is a far too common one. Those closest to Brian grew tired of his actions and he found himself alone and lonely. His light bulb moment came while living in a cold, dark railway station. These days, Brian is a facilitator with AA and shares his story to assist others who are in a similar dark place. If this copnversation anyway triggers you contact AA on 1300 222 222.

You better 'stop your fussin' and make sure you 'don't walk away' because today's guest is one of the most unique voices of our time. 2019 marks the 30-year-anniversary of Toni Childs' debut album, Union and she is currently playing to packed crowds all around the country for her Retrospective National Tour. In her Coffee Chat with Matt, Toni shares her greatest Bob Dylan story, why beekeepers are the real rock stars and the best song she never wrote. See if Toni is playing in your area at tonichilds.com

At 16, Robert Bruce jumped out of his bedroom window to join the circus. He must've loved it because at 81, he is still entertaining families as one of the world's oldest circus clowns. Just to add to his unique life, no one was more surprised than him when he found out he was going to be a father again at 73. But like everything he does in life, Robert took on fatherhood in his seventies with positivity, fun and a youthful exuberance. A Hollywood film is now being made about Robert's remarkable life.

When his father died earlier this year, no one would've faulted country music star, Troy Cassar-Daley for cancelling his shows. But Troy's dad wasn't one for letting people down. He persevered and we are glad he did. Currently embarking on a national tour, Troy also found time to pen a hit song for his good mate, Jimmy Barnes. Troy shares with Matt why he thinks you have to be at least a little depressed to write a good country song and he recalls his favourite moments with the late, great Slim Dusty.

Samuel Johnson is one of Australia's most popular and most loving actors, Which is even more impressive when you find out the amount of hardship he has endured in his life. From the tragic suicide of several close people in his life to the well publicised breast cancer journey his sister Connie faced, the Dancng with the Stars champion has been through more than most. But none of it seems to faze him. He is currently on a two-year national tour raising funds and awareness of the Love Your Sister charity.

Darryl Brohman had just returned from holidays when he found out the Footy Show had been cancelled. The Big Marn, as he is affectionately known, had been a popular member of the show. But like most things he does in life, the lovable larrikin took it in his stride. A knowledgeable and admired face in the game, Brohman played over 100 NRL games and two State of Origin games. The first being the most controversial as his jaw was broken by an opposing player and Brohman took legal action.

With multiple Golden Guitar and ARIA awards and having just released her seventh album, Sara Storer is a name synonymous with Australian country music. But being a country music star doesn't make you immune from 'real-world' challenges. Sara and her husband, Dave have four rowdy, young boys and some may think this is not a conducive environment to writing and performing some of Australia's greatest country music songs. But for this former school teacher, she has proven it works just fine for her.