Coffee Chats with Matt Collins

You will be 'Reminiscing' with this chat which is sure to be 'A liittle ray of sunshine'. A 'Cool change' in fact. Founding member of Little River Band, and many other successful bands, Glenn Shorrock shares the ups and downs of his remarkable career. A career which has taken him all over the world. He has played with the best and even shared a recording studio with The Beatles. While this ten pound Pom doesn't have regrets, he does remember a few occassions where he could have made different decisons.

Sometimes, it's the controversial topics that are the ones we should be talking about. There is an argument that our politicans don't take a hard-lined approach because it doesn't win votes. Qld independent senator, Fraser Anning doesn't seem to care. Outspoken about immigration, same-sex marriage and other equally sensitive topics, Senator Anning made headlines and was labelled a racist when he attended a protest where demonstrators made nazi salutes, but he says he just wants the best for the country.

We often think our sporting superstars have it easy. One of the greatest Brisbane Bronco's of all time, Shane Webcke is living proof that it takes monumental effort, bravery and courage to overcome life's challenges. Even after his playing days and transitioning into a sports reporter for Channel 7, Shane still didn't think he was good enough. Add to that a tragic farming accident which killed his father and you have a man who has defied the odds to become one of the country's greatest sportsmen.

When former Coolangatta Gold winner and Ironwoman, Hayley Bateup first started competing she didn't even tell her parents. She excelled in the water and then as Gladiator, Nitro on the hit TV series. Now as a passionate fire-fighter, Hayley's fitness and career have always been a simple, straight forward focus. Sadly, it hasn't been the same for her personal life. As a gay woman, Hayley shares what it was like for her and her partner as they rode the emotional wave while Australia voted on their future.

Politicians are constantly in the public eye, but ironically we rarely see the person behind the politician. In their in-studio Coffee Chat, Deb Frecklington shares with Matt a side of the State Opposition Leader few have ever seen. They discuss coffee choices (obviously), her past jobs, what will change for Deb and her family if, and when, she becomes Premier of Queesnland. And what she really thinks of the haters who hide behind their keyboards.

Grief is an emotion we all struggle with. We all deal with the loss of a loved one differently. Rachel Pope has had deal with more death, loss and grief in her life than any one person should have to. in their Coffee Chat, Rachel shares with Matt how she coped after losing her father, a boyfriend, her brother and then her husband. How this business owner was able to keep it together for her children and those around her. Rachel has written a book on her experiences with grief called, Gifts from Grief.

John Hopoate is one of the most talked about sportspeople in the world, but for all the wrong reasons. He is currently serving a ten-year-ban from the sport of rugby league for a fight on the field. But that isn't why you will remember Hoppa. He made world-wide headlines with his infamous finger and was kicked out of the NRL after a sickening tackle which left his opponent concussed. In their chat, Hopoate shares with Matt who he is away from the headlines and his upcoming boxing match with Paul Gallen.

When Chris Walker ran on to the rugby league field, both the fans and his opponents took notice. So much so, that the call would go across the ground that 'Walker's on'. But this former State of Origin representative lost his way after leaving the Brisbane Broncos and moving South to follow his soap actress star girlfriend. Walker speaks about this time in his life as well as a closed-door meeting he had with Russell Crowe who said, 'Whatever is said in this room, stays in this room.'

No matter who you are, we all face various challenges in life. The secret is to squeeze the most out of your days regardless of what is against you. One person who knows how to do this better than most is Ben Hawkins. Ben was diagnosed with Autism when he was only two. This disorder affects the way Ben communicates and interacts with others. A budding architect, Ben is in the final year of an architecture degree and looking forward to a long and prosperous career once he graduates.

For some people, turning 40 is a terrifying point in their lives. For others, it is an opportunity to turn a new page and see what other exciting things life has in store for them. Bec Fisher chose the latter. For her fortieth year, Bec tried her hand at 40 different jobs. in their Coffee Chat, Bec shares with Matt why this passionate school teacher was so eager to see if there was another career she could get her teeth into.