Coffee Chats with Matt Collins

Veteran stand-up comedian Akmal Saleh has brought most Australians to tears of laughter over his illustrious comedy career. In their chat, Akmal shares with Matt what got him into stand-up, why he originally went by the stage name 'Peter' and his honest thoughts on religion. Akmal stars alongside fellow stand-up Jimeoin in the Channel 10 series Waltzing Jimeoin.

Australian Idol and 'I'm a Celebrity' winner Casey Donovan has been on our television screens and in our magazines for almost two decades. But she isn't always portrayed in a positive light. Since winning Idol as a 16-year-old Casey has dealt with a personal weight battle in the less-than-sensitive public eye. But she has always stood tall and never given into the bullies. In their chat, Casey shares with Matt the many ups and downs of her musical career and her private life.

With a string of hits and a Triple J Hottest 100 number one under his belt, Alex Lloyd is no stranger to Aussie music lovers. But life hasn't always been so kind to the 'Amazing' singer-songwriter. In their chat, Alex shares with Matt how tough the COVID restrictions have been on his career. He also opens up about his marriage breakdown, his depression and his weight that ballooned out to a staggering 168kgs.

Poppy Star Olsen knows what it means to be persistent. The 21-year-old represented Australia in the Olympics for skateboarding. But it hasn't come without a whole lot of hard work. While other kids her age would try to execute a trick a few times, Poppy would not leave the skate park until she had nailed it. This tireless work ethic has led her to make the finals and finish fifth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Something tells me it won't be the last time we see Poppy in the green and gold.

**Adult language and content warning** Wanita is certainly no shrinking violet. The much loved 'Queen of Honky Tonk' has lived many life chapters. In their chat, Wanita shares with Matt some of her journey and she leaves no stone unturned. Topics include music, motherhood, sex work, abuse, alcoholism, autism, suicide, unhealthy relationships... You know, all the normal stuff. Wanita has a new album and documentary out now.

The Seekers will go down in history as one of Australia's greatest ever musical groups. From performing in front of 200,000 fans to Australians of the Year, The Seekers did all there is to do as a group. In their chat, founding member Keith Potger chats with Matt about why he first moved to Australia from Sri Lanka as a boy, what he honestly thought of Judith Durham's voice when he first heard her sing, and what he did when the crowd gave them a standing ovation before they had even played a note.

Dan and Steph Mulheron set out to win My Kitchen Rules and use the prize money to fund their IVF treatments. They proved fairy tales do come true when they won the hearts of the country and the prize money. Shortly after they welcomed their baby girl Emmy into the world. In their chat, Dan & Steph share with Matt an honest behind the scenes look at reality television, why they think they won the series and what they got up to during the filming of their new show 'Travel & Eat with Dan & Steph.'

Casey Barnes moved to the Gold Coast to pursue his music dream after a childhood in a footy-mad Tasmanian household. In fact, at one point he had to decide whether he would follow his natural talent as a footballer or chase his musical dream. His adoring fans are glad he chose the latter. In their chat, Casey shares with Matt the time his wife performed on stage with an international music star and the event that left him shocked after he performed at The Day on the Green.

Matt Day received his big break on the long-running television soap A Country Practice - when he auditioned for the show he had never even heard of it. Day went on to feature in Muriel's Wedding, Rake, Wolf Creek and many more films and television series. In their chat, Matt shares how he got his big break, what is was like working with Woody Allen and his honest thoughts on the entertainment industry in Australia.

In 2014 Rosie Batty's 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father Greg Anderson. Seven years on and Rosie believes family violence is still a national epidemic. In their chat, Rosie Batty shares with Matt her English upbringing, her relationship with Luke's father and her advice for someone who is the victim of domestic violence.